4A title: Crimson Cliffs overcome largest deficit in state finals history to win in 3OT

SALT LAKE CITY – The defending 4A state champions Crimson Cliffs return to Rice-Eccles Stadium for the third straight year and look to win a state title.

On the way to the school were the Spanish Fork Dons, who returned to the state title for the first time since 2012. Spanish Fork, the state's second-ranked recruit in offensive lineman Aaron Dunn, was looking for his first state. Title in schools 112 years of history.

The Dons looked to be on their way to the title with a 42-21 lead with six minutes remaining, but the Crimson Cliffs scored 21 straight points in the final five minutes to send the game into overtime.

After the teams traded points, the Mustangs came out on top in triple overtime, defeating the Dons 57-55 for the school's second straight 4A state title.

“It's unmistakable. It's special and it's a special group of young men,” head coach Wayne Alofipo said. “They got better and better all year. The one thing they never did was trust and love each other.”

The Dons scored first in overtime, needing to hold off the Mustangs to win, but the Crimson Cliffs needed just two plays to tie the game. The Mustangs quickly scored again but failed to convert the 2-point conversion.

The Dons responded with a touchdown reception to Brock Jacobson, who had a strong game but also failed to convert the 2-point conversion.

In the third overtime session, both teams had 2-point attempts from the 3-yard line, where Spanish Fork got the ball first and was stopped short. Crimson Cliffs senior running back McCord Christiansen completed the comeback from 3-yards out to seal the win and the state title.

Crimson Cliffs outrebounded Spanish Fork 57-55 in 3OT @UHSAAinfo 4A title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/N1Se5rhush

— KSL.com Sports (@KSLcomSports) 22 November 2024

After both teams failed to start scoring on the first drive, the Crimson Cliffs picked off Spanish Fork quarterback McKay Wright, and then Jackson Holt caught a 35-yard pass and set up a 1-yard rushing touchdown by McCord Christiansen. lead

Spanish Fork eventually forced a three-and-out series and then drove the length of the field. Kayden West then tied the game with a 1-yard score.

The Dons continued their defensive prowess, with Cal Roberts picking off the Mustangs for the first of two interceptions in the game. The Dons capitalized on the turnover with a 12-yard passing touchdown to Jacobson.

But needing just four plays to score on Maddux Alofipo's 46-yard reception, the Mustangs quickly responded.

“We believed the whole time,” Maddux said. “By God, we were able to play to his strengths and win back this title.”

Spanish Fork took control of the game with a 96-yard drive with just over five minutes left in the third quarter, giving the Dons a two-score lead on a 1-yard rushing touchdown by West.

The Dons extended their lead to 21 and the Mustangs finally answered on a 30-yard catch by Christiansen. But West found the end zone again on a 42-yard run to extend the lead to 21 with nine minutes left in the game.

Christiansen then threw a touchdown pass to Boston Barrow on a trick play to cut the lead to 14 with less than five minutes to play. And after a fumble near midfield, Ryder Sherratt connected with Mason Burbidge on a 46-yard pass to make it a one-score game.

The Crimson Cliffs elected to go with an onside kick that was originally recovered, but it was ruled that a Mustang player touched the ball before the 10-yard zone and Spanish Fork received the ball.

But a three-and-out quick stop gave the Mustangs life with two minutes to go and time expired. Sherratt threw his fourth touchdown pass in regulation with 10 seconds left, sending the game into overtime.

“I'd be lying to you if I said I didn't doubt it,” Alofipo said. “I got a little bit of doubt there, and I was mad at myself at 42-21. A bunch of guys said to me, “We can still do this,” and that's the love and leadership of these young guys. .”

Sherratt finished the game with 403 passing yards and six touchdowns, three of which came in the fourth quarter. West finished with 183 yards on 34 carries and five rushing touchdowns, tying the state record for rushing touchdowns in a championship game.