SugarHouse Journal - Sarah Thomas - II

Another old article recently found online, and now archived here:

Highland football gearing up for state

by Sarah Thomas

The high school football season has come and is almost gone already. After publication of this issue of the Sugar House Journal, the Highland Rams have only one game remaining in the regular season, a showdown with the Murray Spartans on Thursday, Oct. 23, and are ready to dive into state tournament play.

Head coach Brody Benson said his players are working hard and are finding their groove at the right point in the season.

“The season is going pretty well,” he said. “We are coming together; we’re focusing on minimizing penalties and crucial mistakes.” Those mistakes left a gaping wound in the Rams’ season opener against Mountain Crest, when they totaled 312 yards of offense but couldn’t manage to earn the win after giving up the ball six times.

“You can’t win like that,” Benson added, noting that his team has done a much better job at holding on to their offensive possessions since their ugly debut. “We are peaking at the right time.”

The Rams are meeting every team’s goal of playing their best right as the playoffs start and they are doing so behind a string of players. Nick Orchard, the Rams’ quarterback as well as a prevailing force on defense, has become a great leader for his team.

“[Orchard] is a great kid, he has done very well, especially with his running game,” Benson said. As of press time, Orchard had run for five touchdowns this season and averaged 79 rushing yards per game in addition to four passing touchdowns and 68 yards a game in the air. Muli Kinikini and Latu Heimulli are also making noise on both sides of the ball. Kinikini had recorded six rushing touchdowns in conjunction with 68 rushing yards per game, and has averaged almost a sack a game on defense. Hemulli has also contributed a handful of sacks and “has done a great job on both sides of the ball,” Benson said. “[Heimulli] is a great kid and also one of our highest-recruited players.”

The biggest surprise for the Highland squad is the production they are getting from Jordan Crayton. The senior is a relative newcomer since he hadn’t played since junior high before putting the pads back on this season.

“[Crayton] has done a great job. He was a lot further along at the start of the season than I expected he would be,” Benson said. “He loves to hit, which is usually the hardest thing to get kids to do.” Crayton has been playing multiple positions for the Rams, including cornerback and wide receiver. Most of his time and production come for his play on special teams, where he is used for kick and punt returns.

Benson’s team suffered a loss to the top ranked team in 4A a few weeks ago, a 32-21 loss to the Cottonwood Colts. Since then, the Rams have faced off against Cyprus and West high schools, both of which are fighting with Highland for a better seeding in the state tournament. The Rams will finish up the regular season with the Spartans, a team that has struggled this season, and then look forward to making some unexpected noise in the 4A state tournament, which starts Saturday, Nov. 1.

“We have to focus on each game and then go into state with the same outlook,” he said.

SugarHouse Journal - Sarah Thomas - I

An older article from 3 months ago, recently discovered and now posted here:
Highland senior running back Tevita Kinikini has helped lead the Rams to a 2-1 start, pending the Sept. 12 matchup with East.


High school football season is well under way throughout Utah and Sugar House residents have reason to celebrate. Although the Highland football team dropped their first game, a 26-21 battle with Mountain Crest, the Rams have bounced back and proved that they will be a top contender this season.

Head coach Brody Benson’s team has since defeated two 5A powers: the American Fork Cavemen, 33-15, and the Skyline Eagles, in a come-from-behind 13-9 victory, in addition to playing their region opener at East, which was after press time. Senior quarterback Nick Orchard has been the difference maker for the Rams; however, it isn’t just his passing that’s been so valuable for the Highland squad.

In Highland’s first win, over the Cavemen, Orchard rushed for 251 yards, including 70 and 40-yard touchdown runs. A week later, against the Eagles and with his team down 9-0, Orchard constructed two big drives, of 85 and 99 yards, in the last four minutes of the game, both of which ended in touchdowns. After connecting with Nate Fakahafua for a 29-yard touchdown pass, the Rams needed the ball back and needed to score again. That opportunity presented itself when Benson called for an onside kick, the Eagles recovered and the Highland defense forced them to turn the ball back over.

On the second of the two come-back scoring opportunities, “in the last two minutes of the game, [Orchard] had three runs for 79 yards and then ended it with a 5-yard pass to [Fakahafua],” Benson said. The Eagles had 45 seconds to respond, and when the Skyline quarterback threw the ball downfield, Orchard came up with the interception to end the game.

Up next for the Rams is the rest of their region schedule, including games against Granger at home on Sept. 19, at Olympus on Sept. 26, and the highly-anticipated match up with the Cottonwood Colts at home on Oct. 3.

Tevita Muli Kinikini - 2008 Football HiLites - Pt. II

Some highlights from this year's season.

Tevita Muli Kinikini - 2008 Football HiLites - Pt. I

Some highlights from this year's season.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. East '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. West '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. Pine View '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. Skyline '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. Olympus '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. American Fork '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

2008 Deseret News All-State Teams

Class 4A
MVP - Xavier Sua'Filo (Timpview)
First Team
QB - Steve Romero (Cottonwood), Casey Rumsey (Timpview).
RB - Isi Sofele (Cottonwood), Adam Timo (Snow Canyon).
WR - Alo Moli (Cottonwood), Travis Vanleeuwen (Timpview).
TE - Jordan Egbert (Orem).
OL - Darren Denucci (Bountiful), John Martinez (Cottonwood), Kevin Moss (Pine View), Colton Reeder
(Mountain Crest), Percey Taumoelau (Cottonwood).
DL - Eric Berntson (Sky View), Latu Heimuli (HIghland), Bronson Kaufusi (Timpview).
LB - Adam Bangerter (Pine View), Ethen Lofthouse (Mountain Crest), Travis Parrish (Bountiful), Lason
Whittingham (Timpview).
DB - Chris Badger (Timpview), Justin Ence (Pine View), Ethan Rasmussen (Mountain Crest).
PK - Joe Lake (Bountiful).
Specialist - J.D. Falslev (Mountain View).
Second Team
QB - Alex Kuresa (Mountain Crest).
RB - Anthony Heimuli (Mountain View), Manu Samani (Granger), Levi Te'o (Timpview).
WR - Spencer Hille (Olympus), Cameron Lamb (Roy).
TE - Austen Richards (Bonneville).
OL - Alihi Fa'alafua (Orem), Bryson Hobson (Tooele), Logan Lloyd (Dixie), Stevie Stikolonatu (East).
DL - Cullen Clark (Bountiful), Muli Kinikini (Highland), Avalisi Lapuaho (Granger), Likio Pope (Provo), Logan
Taele (Dixie).
LB - Jason Bilanzich (Cottonwood), Sam Nielson (Highland), Taylor Orr (Pine View), Hayden Snow (Mountain
Crest).
DB - Brayden Compton (Sky VIew), Mike Fabrizio (Bountiful), Asi Hosea (Cottonwood), Justin Stofferahn
(Bonneville).
Honorable Mention
Chris Bogoriz (Bonneville), Tyler Boulter (Orem), K.J. Boyer (Pine View), Jordan Clemente (Tooele), CJ Corry
(Woods Cross), Jordan Crayton (Highland), Taani Fisilau (Cottonwood), Jake Folkerson (Bountiful), Dee
Hamala (Murray), Kevin Haynes (Cyprus), Alex Knowles (Mountain Crest), Ofa Latu (Timpview), Justin Lytle
(Pine View), Blake McKenzie (Timpview), Anthony Miles (Provo), Jacob Morrison (East), Nick Orchard
(Highland), Colton Ramon (Springville), Dalton Snook (Cottonwood), Riley Spackman (Sky View), Matt Stewart
(Mountain Crest), Nate Stroshine (Mountain View), Trevor Whittingham (Timpview), Tanner Wood (Pine View).

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. Bountiful '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. Cottonwood '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. Cyprus '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

Tevita Muli Kinikini vs. Mountain Crest '08 - Highlights

Stats will be posted.

2008 Football Playoffs - Quarterfinals - The Spectrum

Survive And Advance

Stephenson FG Helps Panthers Hold Off Rams

BY DAVID CORDERO • dcordero@thespectrum.com • November 8, 2008

ST. GEORGE - Some football coaches have trained themselves to only focus on the game in front of them.

Pine View's Ray Hosner doesn't pretend to be that kind of coach. A lot of emotions were going through his mind after Michael Stephenson nailed a 36-yard field goal to give the Panthers the lead over Highland with less than two minutes to go.

The most prominent of them was gratitude.

"I told his mom, thanks for having all those boys," said Hosner, who coached another good kicker in Riley Stephenson for four seasons. "They've been a great asset to Pine View football. I was getting a little teary-eyed because of what a great family they are."

Pine View's defense held Highland after Stephenson's kick and the Panthers escaped with a 10-7 win over the visiting Rams on Friday to advance to the 4A semifinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City. Pine View will face Cottonwood, which trounced Bonneville 44-7, in the 10:30 a.m. game Friday.

Stephenson's clutch kick was a big reason why.

"It was just like a PAT," Stephenson said. "I really didn't feel any pressure. I just blocked the crowd out."

Hosner was a bit more sentimental.

"When he was trotting out there, I thought 'what a special moment,'" the coach said. "He's going to kick the winning field goal, his brother (Riley) just got home off his mission, could you ask for a better situation than that?"

Hosner might also wonder if he could possibly ask for anything more out of quarterback, safety and holder Justin Ence. The unselfish senior had a part in almost in every play, rushing for 77 yards on 20 taxing carries, taking part in 17 tackles and perhaps his most important ball-handling of the day: pulling in a high snap for Stephenson's field goal.

The Panthers rode Ence all night, but even more so on Pine View's final possession of consequence. Taking over at their own 29, the Panthers got a 15-yard run by Ence, followed by a 3-yarder and a 14-yard scamper.

Although Ence probably could have done without the punishing out-of-bounds tackle delivered by Jordan Crayton on the end of the 14-yarder, he gladly accepted the added 15 yards.

"Our coaches told us it would be tough," Ence said. "They told us that if we execute our plays, they're going to make at least one mistake and that would be the game-changer."

Ence had one more rush of five yards to set up the field goal. He had a 3-yard touchdown in the second quarter that put the Panthers on top 7-0.

"It was frustrating we couldn't get in the end zone more," said Ence, who didn't complete any of his seven pass attempts, although two were dropped. "We would drive it and then we'd get a penalty. It's just little mistakes we need to improve on, but that was a heck of a team that we just played. They work hard and they have some big guys."

Rams running back Muli Kinikini had 23 rushes for 119 yards and scored a touchdown as Highland outgained Pine View 270-141. However, the Rams fumbled twice and they were recovered by Adam Bangerter.

2008 Football Playoffs - Quarterfinals - Matchup

Story of the game - Michael Stephenson kicked a 36-yard field goal
with 1:27 to go and the Panthers' defense limited the Rams to a
single score and claimed a tough 4-A playoff win on their home field.

Highland's best moment - Trailing 7-0 at halftime, QB Nick Orchard
led Highland on a 90-yard, 20-play drive that took up most of the third
quarter. Muli Kinikini scored the tying touchdown.

Pine View's best moment - The Panthers' defense barely stopped
Highland on a fake punt in the fourth quarter. They moved the ball
downfield, which set up Stephenson's FG. To add to the excitement,
the ball barely cleared the crossbar.

What was learned from the game - The Rams season is gone, but
not forgotten. Highland improved throughout the season, and made it
further in the playoff than last year. The defense kept them in every
game.

Next - Highland is done. Pine View advances to play Cottonwood in a
4-A semifinal at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

2008 Football Playoffs - Quarterfinals - Salt Lake Tribune

4A Quarterfinals: Pine View 10, Highland 7

Prep Football: Panthers Sneak By The Rams

By Joshua Sine
Special to The Tribune

Article Last Updated: 11/08/2008 08:29:38 AM MST

ST. GEORGE - It was the passing of the torch on a picturesque Friday night, as perennial football power Highland was defeated by southern utah powerhouse Pine View Panthers 10-7.
In a game that contrasted the Rams' old-style veer option with the Panthers' new-era zone read option, both teams kept the ball on the ground, amassing a combined 448 rushing yards and a total of 21 combined forward pass attempts.
"I told the guys it was going to be a bar room brawl," said Pine View coach Ray Hosner. "You just got to come out swinging and not be intimidated, and that's what we did."
Let the record show that the Panthers threw the first punch. Early in the second quarter, Pine View quarterback Justin Ence jabbed first. Shedding off two Ram defenders, Ence burst into the end zone, finishing of an 80-yard drive that was aided by two personal-foul penalties on the Rams, giving the Panthers a 7-0 lead.
The Rams were plagued by penalties and turnovers throughout the first half, as two drives in the red zone stalled on fumbles recovered by the Panthers. Highland's only points of the game came off of a 22-play, 90-yard drive that drained 9 minutes off the clock.
After Highland's score, the Panthers took their next possession all the way to the 19, where kicker Michael Stephenson gave the knockout, putting Pine View up for good at 10-7 from 36 yards out.
"This win goes to our defense - they battled and got it done," said Ence, who started both ways, recording 17 tackles along with 102 yards rushing. "It is a great feeling, but we know we will need to play better next week."
Pine View will play Cottonwood at Rice-Eccles Stadium next Friday in a rematch from earlier this season where the Colts took apart the Panthers.

Pine View 10, Highland 7 Friday, November 07, 2008

Team W/L Record Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Highland 8-4, 5-2 0 0 0 7 7 Pine View 9-1, 5-0 0 7 0 3 10

Scoring Summary: PV — Ence 2 run (Stevenson kick) H — Kinikini 1 run (Hicken kick) PV — Stevenson 36 FG

2008 Football Playoffs - Quarterfinals - Deseret News

4A High School Football Playoffs: Stephenson's Field Goal Lifts Pine View Over Highland

By Andy Griffin
For the Deseret News

Published: Saturday, Nov. 8, 2008 8:49 a.m. MST

ST. GEORGE — Michael Stephenson made the go-ahead field goal with 1:27 left and Stephen Anderson tipped away a desperation fourth-down pass as Pine View edged Highland 10-7 Friday night in Panther Stadium.

Highland won all the statistical categories in the game except three. The Panthers had fewer turnovers (2-0), fewer penalties (five for 52 yards vs. the Rams' 11 for 115 yards) and, ultimately, more points.

"They're a tough team that plays hard on every down," Pine View assistant coach Telly Esplin said. "But I've never seen a kid as tough as Justin Ence. He played every down and made so many plays."

Ence, Pine View's quarterback and free safety, struggled in the passing game, failing to complete a pass on seven attempts. But he rushed for 79 hard-fought yards and his 25th rushing score of the season. And on defense, he was a real difference-maker.

Still, Highland seemed to have the Panthers where it wanted them. Though Pine View led 7-0 at the half on Ence's two-yard scamper, the Rams owned the ball in the third quarter.

Highland forced a PV punt to open the quarter, then proceeded to go on a 10-minute, 20-play drive. It started at the Rams' own 10-yard line and, along the way, quarterback Nick Orchard and company converted on a third-and-12, a third-and-five (after a holding penalty on first down) and a fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line.

Muli Kinikini was the workhorse on the drive, carrying the ball nine times for 33 yards, including the final drive that made it 7-6 with 10:05 to play. Freshman Hayes Hicken converted the extra point to tie the game.

The Panthers were forced to punt moments later and Highland took over with 8:02 left in the game and the score all tied up at 7-7.

"We were very nervous," Esplin said. "We just told our defense that it was on them to get us the ball back and they did."

Highland moved the ball a bit, but got a delay of game on second-and-nine at the Pine View 40-yard line. Then, on third-and-14, Orchard was nearly sacked and called for intentional grounding. That left the Rams with fourth-and-19 and a fake punt run by Bridger Walzer came up three yards short.

Pine View then marched 57 yards in less than two minutes to set up Stephenson's game-winning 36-yard field goal.

"I was just thinking I needed to get it really high because they had a pretty good rush on," Stephenson said. "It was almost too high. It didn't make it by much."

Highland had 200 yards more total offense than the Panthers (341-141), but the Rams squandered multiple scoring opportunities in the first half with penalties and a pair of fumbles. Highland also kept the ball nearly nine minutes longer in the game than Pine View.

But the Rams, who finish the season 8-4, racked up a lot of penalties, including three late-hit penalties after Pine View players were out of bounds.

Pine View, 10-1, got its lone touchdown drive in the second quarter. Ence carried five times for 38 yards during the 51-yard drive.

GAME DATE: Friday, November 07, 2008

Pine View 10, Highland 7
Pine View's Justin Ence worked hard for 102 yards and one touchdown in this smashmouth football game. Pine View advanced to the 4A semifinals and will play unbeaten Cottonwood.

TEAMS (REGION, OVERALL)

FINAL

Highland (5-2, 8-4)	0	0	0	7	-	7
Pine View (5-0, 10-1)	0	7	0	3	-	10

SCORING PLAYS
PINE VIEW - Ence 2 run (Stephenson kick)
HIGHLAND - Kinikini 1 run (Hicken kick)
PINE VIEW - Stephenson 36 FG

2008 Playoffs - Week 2 - HHS vs. Pine View - Deseret News

High School Football 4A preview: Highland at Pine View

By Michael Black
Deseret News

Highland (8-3) at Pine View (9-1)
4A state tournament quarterfinal
Friday, 5 p.m.
Parry's Power Guide: Pine View by 3.5 points
All-time series: 0-0
Coach vs. Coach: First meeting between Highland's Brody Benson and Pine View's Ray Hosner
Last meeting: First meeting

Warmer weather and sunshine. Perhaps a round or two on one of the many outstanding golf courses or some relaxation either by the pool or at a spa, that's what many think of when mentioning a trip to Southern Utah and St. George. But as Highland gets ready to make the trip to face Pine View in the 4A quarterfinals Friday at 5 p.m., those things are far from the minds of the players and coaches.

"It will be a good trip, a fun trip, but the guys understand this isn't a vacation," said Rams coach Brody Benson. "The kids have been really focused in practice, and I think they understand the importance of being prepared and taking care of business."

After back-to-back trips to the 4A championship game in 2005 and '06, the Rams had a disappointing exit to the playoffs in a first-round loss in 2007. Although painful, Benson feels the loss could turn into positive as a good learning experience.

"We kind of exercised some demons with beating Bountiful," he said, "and now we kind of got back a little bit of swagger. The guys know what it is like to win a game like that and we are getting ready for the next step. We want to get back to the turf, that was the goal from the start."

Benson feels for Highland to reach its goal, it will have to limit turnovers and win the battle in the trenches.

"We need to take care of the football, and I think it will boil down to the play on the offensive and defensive lines," added Benson. "We know we have a good defensive line, and we will need them to do their jobs, especially on their quarterback."

That quarterback is Pine View's Justin Ence. The all-everything leader of the offense has had a tremendous year for the Panthers. He has thrown for over 1,000 yards, but his real threat is on the ground. Ence is the second-leading rusher in the state with 1,498 yards on the ground in 10 games.

"For us to win, we need to stop Ence," Benson said. "He is a playmaker and they put a lot of faith in him. If we can stop him, we have a good chance."

Highland does have the players to try to contain Ence, and it all starts up front with Latu Heimuli. The four-star recruit is a beast up front at 6-foot-3 and 296 pounds, but it is more than just his size that the Rams rely on.

"Latu is a smart football player. He makes my life easier," said Benson. "He's been starting since he was a sophomore. Besides being just a really talented player, he is almost like having another coach out there on the field."

This game could come down to which star shines brighter. Obviously, there are more players out on the field, but if Heimuli or Ence establish themselves, it would be a good bet that team will move on.

Highland statistical breakdown
Scoring offense: 27.6 ppg
Scoring defense: 12.6 ppg
Passing leader: Nick Orchard (61-138, 44.2%, 875 yards, 9 TDs)
Rushing leader: Nick Orchard (146 carries, 1,089 yards, 9 TDs); Muli Kinikini (120 carries, 700 yards, 8 TDs)
Receiving leader: Jordan Crayton (16 catches, 205 yards, 1 TD)
Tackles leader: Sam Nielson (81 tackles)
Sacks leader: Muli Kinikini (9 sacks), Latu Heimuli (8 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Zach Baucom (1 interception)

Pine View statistical breakdown
Scoring offense: 36.2 ppg
Scoring defense: 17.9 ppg
Passing leader: Justin Ence (71-139, 51.1%, 1,091 yards, 8 TDs)
Rushing leader: Justin Ence (192 carries, 1,498 yards, 24 TDs)
Receiving leader: Taylor Orr (25 catches, 330 yards, 1 TD)
Tackles leader: Adam Bangerter (142 tackles)
Sacks leader: Adam Bangerter (12 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Not provided

Highland game-by-game results
08/23 ... Mountain Crest 26, Highland 21
08/29 ... Highland 33, American Fork 15
09/05 ... Highland 13, Skyline 9
09/12 ... East 14, Highland 7
09/19 ... Highland 34, Granger 8
09/26 ... Highland 50, Olympus 13
10/03 ... Cottonwood 32, Highland 21
10/10 ... Highland 35, Cyprus 0
10/15 ... Highland 35, West 12
10/23 ... Highland 42, Murray 0
10/31 ... Highland 12, Bountiful 10

Pine View game-by-game results

08/22 ... Pine View 28, Mountain View 6
08/30 ... Pine View 24, Dominguez, Calif. 21
09/05 ... Cottonwood 52, Pine View 23
09/12 ... Pine View 41, Las Vegas, Nev. 13
09/19 ... Pine View 56, Canyon View 6
09/26 ... Pine View 34, Hurricane 28 (2OT)
10/03 ... Pine View 50, Cedar 16
10/10 ... Pine View 28, Dixie 20
10/17 ... Pine View 30, Snow Canyon 3
10/31 ... Pine View 48, Provo 14

2008 Playoffs - Week 2 Preview - HHS vs. Pine View - Salt Lake Tribune

4A preview: Highland at Pine View

The Salt Lake Tribune

Article Launched: 11/04/2008 03:47:15 PM MST

Posted: 3:46 PM- Highland at Pine View, Friday 5 p.m.
The Rams have quite the task ahead of them when they travel down to St. George to take on Pine View in the second round of the Class 4A state tournament.
The Panthers' biggest threat on offense is quarterback Justin Ence. He's a mobile quarterback who has thrown for eight touchdowns and has 24 rushing touchdowns.
There's also Villiami Hafoka, who can also be a threat on the run.
But Highland has a few weapons of its own. The Rams are more balanced offensively. Fourteen different players have scored this season and the Rams have another capable quarterback in Nick Orchard, who has thrown nine touchdowns passes and has nine rushing touchdowns.
"They have a great quarterback and they run the spread formation. It's stuff we've seen before this season," Highland coach Brody Benson said. "It will come down to the guys up front, if the offensive and defensive line can control the momentum of the game."

2008 State Football Playoffs Update

Highland High School Rams Move On!

Like I said, the Rams move on, to play the Pine View Panthers, in St. George.

Here is an update on the 4A picture:

CLASS 4A

First round
Friday's games

Upper bracket
Bonneville 28, Mountain View 21
Cottonwood 31, Orem 24
Pine View 48, Provo 14
Highland 12, Bountiful 10

Lower bracket
Dixie 40, Springville 36
Mountain Crest 49, Cyprus 7
Timpview 49, West 7
Sky View 48, East 16

Here are this week's matchups:

Next week's quarterfinals

Upper bracket
Bonneville (5-5) at Cottonwood (11-0), Fri., 3:30 p.m.
Highland (8-3) at Pine View (9-1), Fri., 3 or 5 p.m.

Lower bracket
Dixie (7-3) at Mtn. Crest (9-1), Fri., 1 p.m.
Sky View (8-3) at Timpview (10-0), TBA

Week 1 - 2008 Playoffs - KSL

Playoffs - Week 1 - Davis County Clipper

Highland: 12 Bountiful: 10

In the most exciting and heartbreaking game of the night, Highland came back from a 10-0 deficit to topple the Braves at home, 12-10.

Bountiful opened up its lead when Drew Miner found Cullen Clark on a three yard pass. Joe Lake connected on a 34 yard field goal.

Trailing 10-9 with 2:50 to play after Bountiful fumbled a punt return, Highland recovered the ball on the Braves 15 yard line. On third down and 10 to go a Highland pass into the endzone appeared to be intercepted by Bountiful's Mike Fabrizio. The play was called out of bounds and Highland connected on the game winning field goal with 1:30 to play.

Playoffs - Week 1 - Salt Lake Tribune

Muli, had a great game, both defensively, and on special teams. He re-injured his ankle, on a tackle, but, played through the pain, and played with heart! I'm not one to complain about officiating, I know they're not pros, and they do the best they can, but the officiating, in this game was horrendous. 14 to 17 penalties, against Highland, versus, only 2, against Bountiful. There were so many obvious Bountiful fouls, but the refs, didn't call them? Had the Rams lost this game, it would have added insult to injury, but, luckily, the refs, weren't able to steal this game! Now, I realize, that I may sound like a disgruntled fan. Did we deserve some of those penalties, sure! But, it was called so one sided, that it was laughable! That is all I will say. Pine View High School, in St. George, will be Highland's next victim! Highland 12, Bountiful 10 Friday, October 31, 2008

Team W/L Record Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Highland 8-3, 5-2 0 3 6 3 12 Bountiful 8-3, 5-1 0 10 0 0 10

Scoring Summary: B — Clark 3 pass from Miner (Lake kick) B — Lake 34 FG H — Hicken 42 FG H — Fakahafua 37 pass from Orchard (fail kick) H — Hicken 32 FG

Playoffs - Week 1 - Deseret News

High School Football: Ram Defense Prevails Over Bountiful

Low-scoring game decided by late FG

By Ben DeVoe
For the Deseret News

BOUNTIFUL — As Highland High prepared for its first-round state playoff game against Bountiful, it became apparent the Rams were facing a near mirror-image of themselves.

Ferocious defense with a strong interior line and attacking linebackers? Check. Grinding, conservative ground game? Check.

The two teams were evenly matched in most areas of their matchup, with one play quickly swinging the winning pendulum in favor of the Rams as they came away with a 12-10 win.

The Rams looked defeated, trailing 10-9 with just under four minutes remaining in the game. They had sabotaged themselves with 14 penalties for 135 yards, and it appeared they were going to lose their second straight first-round playoff game. They couldn't get anything going against Bountiful's defense and were forced to punt from deep in their own territory.

"We kept telling each other to believe," said Highland quarterback Nick Orchard.

And for good reason. The punt return was muffed and the Rams took possession on the Bountiful 15-yard line. That set up freshman Hayes Hicken's game-winning 32-yard field goal, his second field goal of the game.

Highland can thank its defense for the win. They lived in the Bountiful backfield, holding the Braves to a measly 107 total yards for the game, surrendering only 30 in the second half.

"Our defense stepped up and finished it. I don't know what happened, but our line came out and dominated," said Orchard.

The defensive line, anchored by Latu Heimuli, Ono Tafisi, Muli Kinikini and Toi Taufa, controlled the line of scrimmage and allowed linebackers Bridger Walzer, Sam Nielson and safety Zach Baucom to feed on Bountiful running backs.

Bountiful's defense was every bit as good, stuffing the run for a good part of the game. Highland made some halftime adjustments and started throwing the deep ball with effectiveness. Orchard connected with 6-foot-4 Nate Fakahafua for a 37-yard touchdown that should have tied the game at 10, but Bountiful's Helam Heimuli blocked the point-after try.

The Braves built a 10-0 lead in the first half on a touchdown pass from Drew Miner to Cullen Clark and a 34-yard field goal by Joe Lake. But for the most part of the evening, the offense was unable to muster any consistent drives.

"Our defense has been that way all year. They're just a bunch of tough, nasty kids," said Highland coach Brodie Benson.

GAME DATE: Friday, October 31, 2008

Highland 12, Bountiful 10
In a tough fight to advance in the playoffs, Highland got a little help from freshman Hayes Hicken, who kicked what ended up becoming the game-winning field goal for the Rams. The Highland defense was able to hold Bountiful to only 100 yards of total offense on the night.

Read the full story.

TEAMS (REGION, OVERALL)

FINAL

Highland (5-2, 8-3)	0	3	6	3	-	12
Bountiful (5-1, 8-3)	0	10	0	0	-	10

SCORING PLAYS
BOUNTIFUL - Clark 3 pass from Miner (Lake kick)
BOUNTIFUL - Lake 34 FG
HIGHLAND - Hicken 42 FG
HIGHLAND - Fakahafua 37 pass from Orchard (fail kick)
HIGHLAND - Hicken 32 FG

First Round Playoffs - Deseret News Preview

Muli has been doing some rehab on his sprained ankles, hopefully it will pay dividends, on the field.
On paper, these two teams match up fairly well. However, I give Highland, the advantage, on size. Speed is a tossup, and of course, the home field advantage, going to Bountiful.
If the Rams, can stay disciplined, and avoid penalties, and avoid playing out of position, they will do well. They also, need to tighten up, in their secondary, the DBs need to play smart, and keep everything, in front of them. Turnovers, will play a huge role, in this game, Highland needs to take care, of the ball, and force the Braves, to give it up.
This Highland team is talented, but, they have under-achieved this season, and last. They need to play to their potential, if they do, a championship, is not out of the question!

High school football 4A preview: Highland at Bountiful
By Michael Black
Deseret New

Highland (7-3) at Bountiful (8-2)
4A State Tournament First Round
Friday, 5 p.m.
Parry's Power Guide: Bountiful by 0.5 points
All-time series: Highland leads 23-14
Last meeting: Regular season, Sept. 24, 2004 — Highland 17, Bountiful 10

Glancing over the playoff pairings there were a couple of games that jumped out, and Highland playing Bountiful was one of them.

The two perennial powers in the 4A ranks clashing in the first round is just what any football junky would love to see. Both have impressive records, and both have the talent to compete for a championship — but only one can advance.

The Rams finished third in Region 6 after losing to Cottonwood and East. The Braves were second in Region 5, falling only to Mountain Crest. The Mustangs are one opponent the two teams share in common. Highland lost its opener, 26-21 while the Braves fell 21-7.

Highland's vaunted ground game has again led it to impressive numbers. The Rams average over four touchdowns per game at 29.1 points while surrendering only 12.9. Nick Orchard has stepped into the long line of great decision makers at the helm. He is a dual threat as he has nine rushing touchdowns to go along with eight passing scores. Muli Kinikini supplies the power in the rushing attack and has eight touchdowns. Nate Fakafahua is dangerous in the passing game, and Bridger and Travis Walzer are always dangerous.

The Braves get it done with defense. They lead the classification in points allowed, giving up only eight points per game. Jake Folerson and Travis Parrish are two of the standouts that give opposing offenses nightmares. Offensively, quarterback Drew Miner has thrown for six touchdowns and Mitch Johnson has rushed for nine. Mike Fabrizio has three rushing scores and three receiving.

The debate has raged over which of the respective regions is better, and this game may go along way to answering that question.

Highland statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 29.1 ppg
Scoring defense: 12.9 ppg
Passing leader: Nick Orchard (57-122, 46.7%, 778 yards, 8 TDs)
Rushing leader: Nick Orchard (133 carries, 1,003 yards, 9 TDs)
Receiving leader: Jordan Crayton (15 catches, 155 yards, 1 TD)
Tackles leader: George Heimuli (70 tackles)
Sacks leader: George Heimuli/Muli Kinikini (8 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Zach Baucom (1 interception)

Bountiful statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 19.8 ppg
Scoring defense: 8.0 ppg
Passing leader: Drew Miner (52-83, 62.7%, 574 yards, 6 TDs)
Rushing leader: Kyle Johnson (163 carries, 633 yards, 9 TDs)
Receiving leader: Joey Nelson (16 catches, 170 yards, 0 TDs)
Tackles leader: Jake Folkerson (67 tackles)
Sacks leader: Travis Parrish (5 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Travis Parrish, Connor Winters (4 interceptions)

Highland game-by-game results

08/23 ... Mountain Crest 26, Highland 21
08/29 ... Highland 33, American Fork 15
09/05 ... Highland 13, Skyline 9
09/12 ... East 14, Highland 7
09/19 ... Highland 34, Granger 8
09/26 ... Highland 50, Olympus 13
10/03 ... Cottonwood 32, Highland 21
10/10 ... Highland 35, Cyprus 0
10/15 ... Highland 35, West 12
10/23 ... Highland 42, Murray 0

Bountiful game-by-game results

08/22 ... Lone Peak 21, Bountiful 0
08/29 ... Bountiful 17, Clearfield 0
09/05 ... Bountiful 17, Viewmont 14
09/12 ... Bountiful 17, Bonneville 0
09/19 ... Bountiful 10, Box Elder 3
09/26 ... Mountain Crest 21, Bountiful 7
10/03 ... Bountiful 33, Woods Cross 0
10/10 ... Bountiful 21, Sky View 14

Muli's Final Game At HHS - Week 10

Muli sat out this game, because of the sprained ankles he suffered, in the East, and West games. He seems to be feeling better, and should return for the first round of the playoffs. Highland will be playing Bountiful, at Bountiful.
Tonight was the final night of the regular season, and the final home game, hence, the final game Muli will be suiting up for, on HHS home field.

Week 10 - Salt Lake Tribune

Highland 42, Murray 0 Thursday, October 23, 2008

Team W/L Record Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Murray 0-9, 0-6 0 0 0 0 0 Highland 7-3, 5-2 7 21 7 7 42

Game Summary: Nick Orchard had 14 rushes for 86 yards, passing the 1,000 yard mark for the season and Bridger Walzer had 8 rushes for 90 yards for Highland. Orchard also went 5 for 10 for 86 passing and two touchdowns. Latu Heimuli had 4 tackles, 4 assists, and 1 sacks, Sam Nielson had 8 assists, and Walzer had 5 tackles and 2 sacks to help score a shutout for Highland's defense.

Scoring Summary: H — Inukihaangana 5 run (Hicken kick) H — Walzer 5 run (Hicken kick) H — Tausa 10 run (Hicken kick) H — Inukihaangana 31 reception from Orchard (Hicken kick) H — Crayton 4 reception from Orchard (Hicken kick) H — Lloyd 29 run (Hicken run)

Week 10 - Deseret News

REGION: Region 06
GAME DATE: Thursday, October 23, 2008

Highland 42, Murray 0
Nick Orchard rushed for 86 yards, putting him over 1,000 yards on the season, and also passed for two touchdowns as Highland pounded Murray for the win. Sione Inukihaangana rushed for a TD and caught one and Bridger Walzer rushed eight times for 90 yards and one touchdown for the Rams. Defensively, Latu Heimuli had four tackles, four assists and one sack, Sam Nielson had eight assists and Walzer added three tackles, two assists and two sacks for Highland.

TEAMS (REGION, OVERALL)

FINAL

Murray (0-7, 0-10)	0	0	0	0	-	0
Highland (5-2, 7-3)	7	21	7	7	-	42

SCORING PLAYS
HIGHLAND - Inukihaangana 5 run (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Walzer 5 run (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Taufa 10 run (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Inukihaangana 31 pass from Orchard (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Crayton 4 pass from Orchard (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Lloyd 29 run (Hicken kick)

4A 2008 Football Playoff Brackets - My Predictions

Upper Bracket

Mountain View vs. Bonneville

Cottonwood vs. Orem

Pine View vs. Provo

Bountiful vs. Highland

Lower Bracket

Dixie/Snow Canyon vs. Springville

Mountain Crest vs. Cyprus

Timpview vs. West

East vs. Sky View

Week 9 - Salt Lake Tribune

Muli had a couple of long runs, on offense, which were negated by penalties. Other than that, he re-sprained his ankle, early in the game, which he had originally sprained, in the East game, so he saw limited action this game. His presence, wasn't needed as Highland easily dispatched a re-building West squad. Highland 35, West 12 Rams Pull Away In Second Half By Martin Renzhofer The Salt Lake Tribune Article Last Updated: 10/16/2008 08:18:17 AM MDT With the Utah state playoffs not too far in the distance, the Highland Rams came into its Wednesday night's game against visiting West looking to take care of business. In a sloppy, mistake-filled game, Highland made the necessary adjustments and sprinted away from the Panthers in the second half, riding the legs of quarterback Nick Orchard to a 35-12 victory. The Rams all but clinched third place in Region 6. "If we take care of business next week," said Highland coach Brody Benson, looking to its upcoming game with Murray. Highland scored 21 points in the second half, including a 69-yard run by the diminutive but gutty Orchard, who shed West tacklers for 179 yards on 16 carries and three scores. He also gained 99 yards through the air, 92 of which came on two 46-yard completions. "We adjusted," Orchard said of the Rams' second half performance. "We got great blocks on the back side. We played pretty well." West, which was its own worst enemy at times with 13 penalties, couldn't keep up offensively. Excluding one 58-yard pass completion, the Panthers' offense was all but shut down in the second half. West could not convert that big play into points, stalling deep inside Highland territory. "We played as well as we could for as long as we could," said West quarterback Daniel Wray, who completed 12-for-22 for 151 yards. "They're a great, great team. I have all the respect for those guys." West pulled to within 14-12 at the half, thanks to a Ram turnover, returned 43 yards by Vai Mafi to Highland's 16 in the final minutes of the half. "We hit a little bit of a lull," Benson said. "We got away from what we were trying to do. [Orchard] is a tough kid. He's not very big, but he's tough." Highland 35, West 12 Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Team W/L Record Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total West 4-4, 3-2 0 12 0 0 12 Highland 6-3, 4-2 7 7 7 14 35

Game Summary: Highland was led by Nick Orchard, who had 16 carries for 180 yards and three touchdowns. He also was 4-for-10 for 97 yards and a touchdown. Sione Inukihaangana had seven carries for 47 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, Lotu Heimuli had four tackles and seven assists while Sam Nielsen had four tackles and six assists.

Scoring Summary: H: Orchard 4 run (Hicken kick) H: Orchard 30 run (Hicken kick) W: 5 run Tana Afeaki (kick failed) W: 5 run Daniel Wray (conversion failed) H: Anderson 45 pass from Orchard (Hicken kick) H: Orchard 70 run (Hicken kick) H: Inukihaangana 23 run (Hicken kick)

Week 9 - Deseret News

Muli re-injured his ankle, which he hurt against East. He was in and out, this game, and saw limited action. It is just a sprain, and he should be back at 100%, for the playoffs.
This win puts Highland into the playoffs, most likely at the 3 seed, meaning they will have to travel north, to play the 2 seed, from Region 5.

Orchard Bears Plenty Of Fruit For The Rams

By Bruce Smith
For the Deseret News

Highland's Nick Orchard says he has been timed at 4.7 seconds in the 40-meter dash. He seemed much faster than that on Wednesday night.

The senior quarterback ran for 177 yards, including two back-breaking touchdown runs, to lift the Rams past West 35-12 in a Region 6 game.

The win improved Highland to 6-3 overall and 4-2 in region play. With a win next week against Murray, the Rams would likely earn the third seed in the 4-A playoffs after that. West, which fell to 5-4 and 4-2, plays East next week and will probably get the fourth seed.

If West is to stay competitive, it will need to do something about mental breakdowns. Coach Randy Schreiter criticized his club after Wednesday's game, languishing over such things as 13 penalties, including seven offsides calls.

This was apparently not the same team that entered the game with five wins in its last six games, including a 41-19 victory over Murray last week.

"I knew they would be keyed up," said Highland coach Brody Benson. "We switched it (the snap counts) up to try to slow them down. They have such an athletic defense."

But Highland had Orchard.

Orchard ran for two touchdowns in the first half, including a 30-yarder that gave Highland a 14-0 lead. After West rallied, Orchard threw a 46-yard touchdown pass to Josh Anderson and then buried the Panthers when he sprinted 69 yards on an option play.

"He is a tough kid," said Benson. "He has so much heart and desire. He lit a fire under the offensive line tonight."

That showed as the Rams rushed for 280 yards on just 37 carries — that's 7.6 yards per rush. Highland finished with 378 yards of total offense. West had 236.

The Panthers, however, stayed close in the second quarter, scoring on a 5-yard run by Tana Afeaki, and then Vai Mafi recovered a fumble that led to Daniel Wray's 5-yard run that made it 14-12.

After that, the Panthers' offense was ineffective. Afeaki was a workhorse but, after running for 79 yards in the first half, he had just six carries for 17 yards for the remainder of the game.

The Panthers had to rally through the air. Wray completed 12-of-19 passes for 135 yards, but that is deceptive. In the second half, the only play over 11 yards was a 58-yard pass from Wray to T.J. Rector to the Highland 15. But West was stopped on a fourth-down play shortly afterward.

REGION: Region 06
GAME DATE: Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Highland 35, West 12
Nick Orchard rushed 16 times for 177 yards and three touchdowns, while passing for 98 yards and one TD to lead Highland over West. The Rams accumulated 378 yards of total offense on the night. Tana Afeaki had 21 rushes for 90 yards and one touchdown for West.

TEAMS (REGION, OVERALL)

FINAL

West (4-2, 5-4)	0	12	0	0	-	12
Highland (4-2, 6-3)	7	7	7	14	-	35

SCORING PLAYS
HIGHLAND - Orchard 4 run (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Orchard 30 run (Hicken kick)
WEST - Afeaki 5 run (Fail run)
WEST - Wray 5 run (Fail pass)
HIGHLAND - Anderson 46 pass from Orchard (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Orchard 69 run (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Inukihaagnana 22 run (Hicken kick)

Week 8 - Salt Lake Tribune

Highland 35, Cyprus 0 Friday, October 10, 2008

Team W/L Record Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total Highland 5-3, 3-2 14 7 14 0 35 Cyprus 3-5, 2-3 0 0 0 0 0

Scoring Summary: H — Kinikini 1 run (Pickens kick) H — Orchard 33 run (Pickens kick) H — Orchard 7 pass to Fakahafua (Pickens kick) H — Kinikini 93 kickoff return (Pickens kick) H — Walzer 2 run (Pickens kick)

Week 8 - Deseret News

REGION: Region 06
GAME DATE: Friday, October 10, 2008

Highland 35, Cyprus 0
Latu Heimuli blocked a field goal, made two sacks to lead the Rams while Sam Nielson had three solo tackles and three assisted with two sacks. Nick Orchard rushed 10 times for 70 yards while Bridger Walzer gained 90 yards on four carries. In addition to a 93-yard kick return, Tevita Kinikini made three tackles and two sacks in the shutout.

TEAMS (REGION, OVERALL)

FINAL

Highland (3-2, 5-3)	14	7	14	0	-	35
Cyprus (2-3, 3-5)	0	0	0	0	-	0

SCORING PLAYS
HIGHLAND - Kinikini 1 run (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Orchard 33 run (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Fakahafua 7 pass from Orchard (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Kinikini 93 kick return (Hicken kick)
HIGHLAND - Walzer 2 run (Hicken kick)