In a physical and emotional battle, Mountain Ridge topped Herriman 22-14 in the 6A playoff quarterfinals on Friday.
Mountain Ridge defeated Herriman earlier in the season and head coach Nick Robins hoped to put together a similar performance with increased physicality and discipline.
It’s safe to say Robins and his team accomplished the mission.
“We felt like we really had to replicate the physicality that we came out with the last time we played them, and I think we did that,” Robins said.
“I feel like we dominated physicality and executed really well in the first half. I’m proud of our guys. They fought through a lot of adversity this year and it paid off tonight.”
Mountain Ridge got off to a very fast start. The Sentinels scored for the first time just a couple of minutes into the game with a spectacular one-handed grab by Kohen Cunningham in the corner of the end zone to take the early lead.
They then doubled their lead with time running out in the first quarter on a 5-yard run up the middle by Zach Ofisa before Herriman finally got on the board midway through the second quarter thanks to a 21-yard touchdown reception from Hayes Priest.
Mountain Ridge’s defense was able to smother Herriman, allowing the offense to get to work and allowing the team to catch a breather with a 15-yard touchdown reception by Ashton Gates.
Robins couldn’t have been more pleased with the job his defense did and gave all the credit to his coaches.
“Our defense really won us the game tonight,” Robins said. “They consistently responded when we needed a stop. Our defensive coaches are very prepared every day in practice and it’s hard to go up against them.
“I know they will be ready for every situation. I couldn’t be happier with our defensive performance tonight.”
Down 22-8, Herriman made Mountain Ridge sweat and gave itself a chance thanks to an explosive 44-yard touchdown run by Filisi Filipe. With one minute left in the game, Herriman was looking to potentially tie the game and send it to overtime.
With the ball at midfield, Mountain Ridge’s Braylon Washington was able to intercept Herriman’s pass, pushing Mountain Ridge into the semifinals and a date with powerhouse Corner Canyon.
“These guys are ready for any situation,” Robins said. “Corner Canyon is obviously a great team and they are the defending champions for a reason.
“Obviously, in order to beat them, we’re going to have to play very well, but we’re certainly up for the challenge.”