Morgan Wins 3A State Championship with Strong Defense
Morgan, Utah — In a thrilling showdown that showcased the strength of the Trojan defense, the Morgan High School football team brought home the 3A state championship title after defeating Richfield with a score of 13-2 at Southern Utah University on Saturday. Both teams entered the game with undefeated records, but it was the Trojans’ defense that ultimately proved unbeatable.
This season, much of the excitement surrounding Morgan came from its high-octane offense, which had accumulated a staggering 593 points before the title game, averaging nearly 46.6 points per game. However, the defense, often overshadowed, made its mark by shutting out six opponents and limiting their average to just 6.3 points per game. Defensive player Nik Preece emphasized the team’s grit, saying, “Just being tough, going out and hitting them hard… it’s amazing we only allowed two points in the state championship game.”
Throughout the contest, Morgan’s defense stifled Richfield’s offense, which had previously been dominant, ending their impressive 25-game winning streak. Richfield’s offense had only three possessions in the second half, none producing significant results. The first ended in a punt, while the last two attempts on fourth down were thwarted by Morgan’s defense.
The first half proved to be a rollercoaster, filled with remarkable plays, turnovers, and a safety that gave Richfield an early 2-0 lead. Morgan regained momentum with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Beck Sheffield to Lincoln Gilson, giving them a 7-2 lead early in the second quarter. They followed that with another scoring drive, a 3-yard touchdown run by Sheffield, which extended their lead to 13-2 just before halftime.
After halftime, Coach Jared Barlow encouraged his players to focus on their assignments and maintain their dominant defensive play. As the clock wound down, Morgan emphasized ball control and ran out the remaining time. “The best thing we can have right now is a seven-minute drive, put the game away,” he told his team.
Sheffield finished the game with 119 passing yards and 63 rushing yards, while teammate Drew Korth contributed 76 rushing yards on 14 carries. This victory marks the ninth state championship in Morgan’s history and proves that when it counts, their elite defense rises to the occasion.
