Grizzlies dominate Templars, Manti loses in 3A quarterfinals

By William Cheshire

LOGAN— The Manti Templars football team traveled north to Logan on Friday looking for another upset win but ended up on the wrong end of a 66-20 loss.

Manti started up early after Kingston Wright found Stetson Thomas for a 35-yard touchdown to put the Templars up 7-0, but the Grizzlies quickly took control and never looked back. While Manti added a touchdown and field goal, a trio of touchdowns from Logan put the Grizzlies up 28-17 after the first quarter, in what proved to be a high scoring match.

It was the second quarter that was the most decisive, as the Logan offense and defense were firing on all cylinders, with four touchdowns putting the Grizzlies up 56-17 into halftime. A quiet second half brought the final score to 66-20, with Tyler Steinfeldt adding a 36-yard field goal in the 3rd quarter for Manti.

On a historic night, Logan quarterback Easton threw for three touchdowns and ran for two. He finished with 356 passing yards and 236 rushing yards.

Manti senior Jacob Cox, and Sophomore Kolten Layton led both teams with eight tackles each. Senior Trever Christensen earned 90 yards on just two receptions on the night.

It was a rough end to a season that saw the Manti Templars finish 3-9 but can be proud of the fact they made it to the final 8 teams in the state.