6A: Quarterfinals Winners

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the final eight teams faced off in the quarterfinals, Football fans across the state of Utah were treated to some great games. In the end, these four teams were able to battle some harsh elements and now have the chance to play at Rice Eccles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Farmington Phoenix</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The American Fork Cavemen scored 35 points in just the first half of their round two win against Mountain Ridge. So going into their showdown with the Phoenix, most expected them to have another productive outing on offense. But the Farmington defense led by linebacker Cole Noble-Wight's nine tackles was spectacular from start to finish. The Phoenix didn't allow a touchdown all game or any points until a late field goal in the final minute of the game. Farmington running back Travis Hoopes rushed for two touchdowns to help the Phoenix move on to the Semifinals with a 19-3 win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bigham Miners</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Miners faced the Knights in a showdown between two of the state's most physical teams. Bingham quarterback Dallen Martinez gave his team a narrow 7-6 halftime lead with a late second-quarter rushing touchdown. The two teams would trade touchdowns throughout the third and fourth quarters, but in the end, it was a late touchdown by Miners running back Havea Fotu and a field goal from Kole Francom that gave Bingham the 25-19 win. Defensive lineman Jace Tupea and the Miner's defense didn't allow any Knights points over the final 11 minutes of the game to secure a semifinals appearance for Bingham.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Skyridge Falcons&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='406869' first='McCae' last='Hillstead'] returned to the Falcons, and the results were troublesome for Davis. Skyridge jumped out to a 20-0 lead after the first quarter, with Hillstead scoring all three of those touchdowns through the air. The Falcons would score at least a touchdown in each quarter as they marched on for the 47-22 win. Skyridge receiver [player_tooltip player_id='406980' first='La'akea' last='Kalama'] and running back Tate Walker combined to score six of the team's seven touchdowns. Defensively the Falcons didn't allow any points in the first and third quarters. Linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='406853' first='Tausili' last='Akana'] added two sacks, while defensive back Saxton Higbee recorded an interception.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Corner Canyon Chargers&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West came into the game vs. the Chargers 9-3 and one of the state's top defenses. Leading many to believe this would be a tough matchup for the top-seed team in the 6A playoffs. However, Corner Canyon was ready and scoring a touchdown in the first before exploding for 28 points in the second and third quarters combined. Chargers running back Drew Patterson was sensational, scoring four touchdowns and going well over 100 all-purpose yards. The Corner Canyon offensive line held up well against one of the state's best pass rushers. Speaking of pressure, defensive end [player_tooltip player_id='406905' first='Tank' last='Mitchell'] and linebacker Dave Brinton combined for five sacks in the dominant 35-7 victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->