Dixie 17, Desert Hills 16
ST. GEORGE — In a defensively dominated game, it was the Flyers who prevailed over No. 1-ranked Desert Hills and its highly-touted defense.
“Our defense came to play,” said Dixie head coach Blaine Monkres. “And our offense did just enough.”
The Flyers, who have averaged over 35 points per game with Ammon Takau behind center, could only muster 17 points. But seven of those came in the final stanza after Desert Hills had taken a 16-10 lead.
Dixie entered the fourth quarter holding onto a slim 10-7 advantage. On the first play of the quarter the advantage got slimmer when Takau was tackled in the end zone for a safety.
After the free kick, Desert Hills took advantage of great field position and quickly scored to go up 15-10. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after scoring the touchdown would prove costly. Coach Carl Franke’s options became limited and Desert Hills settled for a 40-yard PAT kick from Christian Cottle.
Dixie did not let the Thunder lead stand for long, scoring on its next possession. Tre Miller’s 41 yard run would set up Takau’s second rushing touchdown of the game with 7:35 to play. The PAT from McLane Keenan put the Flyers up 17-16.
The Dixie defense would then have to hold and stop Desert Hills on its last two possessions to seal the win.
The Thunder’s Bridger Cowdin led all rushers with 121 yards on 16 carries. Warmsley added 59 yards. For Dixie, Miller gained 93 yards on 18 carries. Takau added 85 yards on 16 carries.
Stats: Dixie 17, Desert Hills 16
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Desert Hills LB Tucker Cowdin (6) puts pressure on Dixie QB Ammon Takau, Dixie vs. Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
Dixie RB Tre Miller gets wrapped up by the Thunder defense, Dixie vs. Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
Bridger Cowdin finds some running room for the Thunder, Dixie vs. Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
Thunder WR Cody Ricketts scores during the first half, Dixie vs. Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
Dixie's McLane Keenan returns a kickoff, Dixie vs. Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
Justice Alo pressures Ammon Takau, Dixie vs. Desert Hills, St. George, Utah, Oct. 3, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, ASPpix.com, St. George News
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Amazing game Dixie! Just shows how good we are when we come together as a team! Defense was awesome tonight!
I knew that desert hills could loose this game…. after coming off a very high emotional game against pine View. However it seemed they couldn’t get in a rhythm thanks to all the flags. every time a big play happened the flags came out. I’m sure Desert hills will bounce back. Dixie played an ok game, but the Refs had a great game.
Christian PI=poor loser!