RIVERTON – A short-handed Dixie defense was no match for the powerful running game of the Riverton Silverwolves.
Riverton racked up an astonishing 544 rushing yards en route to a 57-24 win on a blustery Friday night in south Salt Lake County.
The Flyers traveled north to take on the 5A Silverwolves and, after falling behind early in the game, Dixie clawed back to pull within seven points at 23-16, with 5:13 left to go in the half. On the ensuing drive, Tanner Webster intercepted Silverwolf QB Connor Henderson’s pass, giving the Flyers hope and a chance to tie the game before halftime. But on the following play, Riverton’s Tanner Anderson returned the favor by picking off QB Ammon Takau’s pass in the flats.
Dixie’s defense held strong however and forced Riverton into a fourth and long situation. However Silverwolf running back Cayden Jones was able to scamper for a 33-yard run. Two plays later, Henderson finished the drive with a 20-yard touchdown run. That score was a portent of what was to come as Riverton ran off 34 straight points before Dixie backup quarterback Jaden Harrison’s late touchdown finished the scoring in the fourth quarter when the game was no longer in doubt.
Riverton amassed over 500 yards rushing. They were able to do that platooning several different backs in their hurry-up offense. Six separate running backs had more than 50 yards rushing for the game. The Dixie offense was able to move the ball, but failed to capitalize several times, either turning the ball over on downs or by turnovers deep in Silverwolves territory.
“We knew that we had to match their scoring,” said Dixie Coach Blaine Monkres. “We have lost a few starters on our defense to injury. And others are playing hurt. We could not match their size and strength.”
The loss dropped Dixie to 1-2 on the season.
“We have played three tough games against high-quality opponents,” said Monkres. “We have endured some bumps and bruises in the process. As a result some younger guys are getting playing time, and this schedule is preparing us for Region 9 play. Hopefully we will get healed and have those guys back when region play starts.”
In addition to Harrison’s late touchdown, Dixie also got touchdowns from Takau on a 3-yard keeper and Drew Batchelor on a 36-yard end around in the second quarter.
Dixie will host Canyon View next week before beginning 3AA South Region play Sept. 20 at Pine View.
Stats/boxscore: dixriv9613
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