Salem Hills had high hopes for this game. If they could beat the Red Devils they would take home a piece of the Region 8 Championship. It looked like a good possibility when the Skyhawks returned the opening kick off to Springville's 10 yard line and three plays later scored the first touchdown to lead 7-0.

Salem used that momentum and some excellent pass coverage to force Springville three and out. Then the defense swarmed the punter, who missed the snapped and was tackled on the Red Devils 14. The Skyhawks could only get the ball to the 8 yard line on 4th and 4.

Springville got the ball back deep in their own territory but couldn't get it moving and had to punt again. Salem took Springville by surprise when their first play was a 65 yard half back pass to score again and the Skyhawks had an impressive lead,

14-0 with 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter.

It looked like the trend would continue when the Red Devils receiver dropped the kickoff and was tackled on the 16. After a couple of nice long runs Springville ran into the end zone for their first touchdown to gain ground 14-7.

Springville kicked the ball into the end zone and then forced the Skyhawks to punt. The Red Devils brought it back to the Skyhawk 30 but blocking calls backed them up to midfield. Three plays later they tied up the game, 14-14.

Some excellent defense forced Salem to punt but blocking penalties, delay of game calls and some nice pressure by the Skyhawk defense prevented Springville from moving the ball.

The Skyhawks just couldn't get their offense going and their next punt was blocked on their 29 yard line. A Red Devil run up the middle made the score 20-14 when the extra point failed.

Salem then faced penalty after penalty and were forced to punt again. Some impressive defense put good pressure on Springville's quarterback but a spectacular pass led to another Red Devil touchdown and 2 point conversion. The half ended 28-14.

The second half started with Springville passing three times to score 35-14. The Red Devil defense stopped Salem's next possession but the Skyhawks defense played tough on the next several plays. A Springville pass into the end zone was called back for off sides. A great Salem hit caused Springville to drop a pass in the end zone. A run up the middle was stopped for 3rd and 9. Another Springville touchdown was called back for holding and a final pass was almost picked off by Salem. Springville was forced to try a field goal but it was no good.

Salem got the ball on the 20. When it looked like their offense had been stopped again they faked a punt and ran it for a first down but the next pass was picked off.

The Skyhawk defense stifled Springville again to sack the quarterback and shut down the Red Devil run but a beautiful slant pass was complete to the Salem 2 yard line. Salem recovered a fumble in the end zone to end the 3rd quarter.

Salem's offense still struggled and punted again. The Skyhawk defense was looking great but a 15 yard face mask penalty took the air out of them and Springville methodically marched down the field for another score, 42-14 with 5:23 left in the game.

The Skyhawks were moving the ball and trying to score once more but the Red Devils picked off a pass on the 36 with 1:47 left. After a couple of run plays the clock ran out and the Springville Red Devils (8-1) were crowned Region 8 Champions.

Springville will host the (6-4) Sky View Bobcats in the first round of State Playoffs.

Salem Hills (6-4) travels to Hyrum to take on the (8-1) Mountain Crest Mustangs.