East Pulls Away from Highland in Utah
East Pulls Away from Highland in Utah
In the last two weeks East HS in Utah has beaten the defending state D2 champs (Brighton, now in D1), and the defending state single-school champs (Highland).
The Leopards took down Highland 40-24 behind three tries from papa Matelau. And it was Matelau who scored the first try of the game, charging in off a scrum. Moments later senior Spencer Black intercepted a pass and took it all the way to stake East to an early 14-0 lead. Highland responded, scoring twice by failing to convert either try.
East responded with some pressure and, when Highland infringed, Ben Blake tapped quickly and was over. That made it 19-10. Highland scored a converted try to inch to within two points at halftime.
Scoring just before halftime can often create a momentum shift for a team, and it was true here. Highland scored right after the break and took the lead for the first time at 24-19. However, Highland would score no more after that.
East center JJ Fredrick took the ball on edge and broke several tackles on his way to a 30-meter try-scoring run to tie the score. Jack Bateman's conversion made it a two-point East lead at 26-24.
The teams both probed for an advantage but couldn't quite break it open. Then, about midway through the second half Matelau was in for his second try. That made it 33-24. The game really wasn't out of reach for Highland until the final two minutes when Matelau stole a ball from Highland in the ruck and just kept on going to score.
Bateman converted to finish it out 40-24. So at first glance this was a convincing victory, but really Highland was right there with East for almost the entire game.
"We are off to a good start," said East Head Coach Robert Kingsford. "Papa Matelau has been very strong for us. We have had few great eightman over the years, but Papa is doing some really great things for us."
Bateman at scrumhalf has been kicking well form the tee and playing his position well, while Fredrick at center is an imposing presence.
"It is really hard to name guys individually because all of the players on this team bring something to the table," said Kingsford. "Some of the guys make the headlines because they score tries, however there has been some tremendous work and unselfishness from the rest of the group that has been a key contribution to our success. We are doing things as a group that don’t show up on the stat line and we are proud of the boys for all of their hard work."
