ST. GEORGE – After a tough week on the Snow Canyon High School campus, the Warrior students and fans needed a night like tonight. Tonight’s game was dedicated to classmates Christopher “Dane” Zdunich and Alex Lambson who were both struck by lightning earlier in the week.

The Warrior football team and fans from both teams brought their A-game. The Warriors defeated Dixie in a convincing manner, 42-21. The fans showed their generosity by donating over $4,200 that will be given to the Zdunich and Lambson families to help with medical bills.
 
On the field, the Warriors were unstoppable. Tailback Austin Larsen took the ball 40 yards for the first score on the Warriors’ initial possession of the game. Shortly after that, Dillon Appel got into the scoring column with a two-yard run of his own.
 
Dixie cut the lead in half during the first quarter with an 85-yard bomb from quarterback Blake Barney to receiver Zach Frei. The Flyers wouldn’t see the end zone again until late in the game but their fate was already sealed by that time. Running back John Matuato scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter for the Flyers.
 
Larsen rushed 21 times for 194 yards for the Warriors. John Carty helped carry the load with six rushes for 76 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Brayden Linde had his best showing of the season, scoring twice on the ground and running the offense with efficiency.
 
Next week the Warriors will travel to Pine View for a tough show down that could determine the 4A playoff picture for both teams. Dixie is idle next week and will face Pine View on Oct. 21.

For an update on Alex and Dane, visit http://stgeorgeutah.com/archive/167.

Robert is a professional sports photographer and freelance writer. You can see more photos from this game and other local sporting events at his website www.ASPpix.com. You can also see more of his work at his blog www.stgsportsblog.com. Contact him at [email protected].