Prior to the pivotal matchup in Utah between rivals Genesis and United, both clubs learned about the special significance of this particular match. 

“We received and email from the committee informing us that the winner of this game would be receiving an invitation to nationals in June,” said Genesis coach Eric Nelson. And while this matchup didn’t need any additional motivation, this news definitely added some.  

The first half started with a bang for Genesis. After receiving the opening kickoff, they used mostly forward ball to push deep into the United half of the field. After going wide both ways, the ball came back to the middle where junior Lock Grant Barney touched it down for the try. After the restart Genesis was right back at it again with mostly the same approach. This time senior No. 8 Aedan Seiuli punched it in for another score. Genesis was now up 12-0 very early.  

The rest of the first half was mostly a back-and-forth affair.Genesis couldn’t get much going for the rest of the half as United’s defense held strong. Penalties also continued to haunt the Genesis attack and allowed United several opportunities. Despite the penalties United was unable to break the Genesis defensive lines. Right before halftime United conceded a penalty and Genesis chose to take the easy points which brought the score to 15-0 at the break.  

The second half started very much the same as the first half ended with a lot of back-and-forth with neither team conceding much. But then senior wing Reed Johnson found a hole in the United defensive line and broke out for a 60-meter run. A desperation ankle tackle kept Johnson from scoring, but the damage was done. After a couple of phases, senior prop James Cardon-Leota punched it in for a try for Genesis. The conversion was good and it was 22-0 and Genesis was in control.

Cardon-Leota charged in for another try and that sealed it 29-0. United, of course, kept at it and scored a try as time was expiring; final score 29-7.  With the win the #4 ranked Genesis sent a clear message: they deserve to be part of the national conversation.  

“I couldn’t be more proud of these boys and the win that they earned," said Nelson. "We have some lofty goals for this season. This win was a step towards achieving them. Our defense was outstanding today and this win only helps to build our confidence. We have plenty of work to do to keep getting better and I am confident that these boys will keep up their focus and work rate.”