Jeannie Ashton

The weatherman predicted a soggy night of football but Mother Nature honored this years Seniors by parting the clouds and offering a magnificent sunset before kickoff.

This could be the final home game for 23 Skyhawks and they brought strength and leadership with them as they led their team onto their field one last time.

They were led by their Coach, Monte Morgan, who had started this adventure with them in a brand new high school with a brand new football program last year.

This night was for them: Josh Adams, Jason Anderson, Braiden Ashton, Brandon Barlow, Cody Bullard, Taylor Burrell, Andrew Copling, Billy Fairbanks, Josh Fifita, Caleb Johnson, Reece Knuteson, Josh Mathews, J'son McDaniels, Marcos Mejia, Tyrell Proctor, Phillip Sorensen, Randy Sorenson, Benson Strebel, Tadd Vest, Josh Warr, Kolapa Wolfgramm, Liuaki Wolfgramm and Daniel Zamora.

Salem took charge of the game early when they scored on the 2nd play of the game to take the lead 7-0. American Leadership Academy (ALA) went 3 and out but Salems' offense came out a little sloppy. After several penalties and some huge defensive plays by the Eagles, Salem was forced to punt. The Skyhawks faked the punt but didn't get enough yards, Eagles ball.

Once again the Skyhawk defense shut down ALA but the Eagles recovered a botched punt. This set them up for a beautiful 30 yard field goal to end the quarter 7-3.

In the second quarter Salem Hills took over the game. After a 5 minute march down the field the Skyhawks ran it in for the score, 14-3. The Eagles were shut down again by the Salem defense but the punt was blocked and a Skyhawk scooped it up and ran it in for another touchdown.

By the end of the 2nd quarter ALA had only made it to midfield and the score was 27-3 after the Skyhawks scored again with 28 seconds left in the half.

ALA started the second half with an excellent pass to Salems 32 yard line but a brutal Skyhawk defense forced them to try a 50 yard field goal. It was less than 5 yards short. After a 70 yard run was called back for a penalty it only took three plays for Salem to score again. The 3rd quarter ended 34-3.

Salem scored again early in the 4th quarter. ALA faced another three and out but the Skyhawks fumbled on the 48 and after several penalties the Eagles were 1st and goal on Salems' 9 yard line. The Eagles scored on the next play. After the kickoff return the starting seniors returned for the last play and the game ended 40-10.

ALA plays at Union Thursday, October 22nd and qualified for the schools first Region 10 playoffs.

Everyone is invited to Springville on October 22nd as the Skyhawks take on the Red Devils for first place in Region 8.