Gunnison Valley’s fourth-quarter rally falls short against Millard

GUNNISON—Gunnison Valley High School's football team scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter Friday, Oct. 16, but the Bulldogs' comeback fell short in a 14-10 loss to Millard in their regular-season finale.

Trailing 14-0 entering the final quarter, Gunnison Valley mounted a late rally behind sophomore quarterback Axton Sorensen, senior receiver Daxton Knudsen and kicker Edrick Salas.

The Bulldogs broke through with 6:13 remaining when Sorensen connected with Knudsen on a 20-yard touchdown pass. Salas converted the extra point, cutting Millard's lead to 14-7.

Gunnison Valley struck again just over two minutes later when Salas connected on a 44-yard field goal with 4:11 remaining, pulling the Bulldogs within four points.

However, Gunnison Valley could not complete the comeback, and Millard held on for the victory.

The late offensive production followed three scoreless quarters for the Bulldogs, who struggled to put points on the board during the first half.

Millard took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter and added another touchdown in the second when Jensen Davies scored on a 31-yard run with 4:43 remaining before halftime.

Despite the two-touchdown deficit, Gunnison Valley's defense kept the Bulldogs within striking distance throughout the second half.

The Bulldogs held Millard scoreless in both the third and fourth quarters, giving their offense an opportunity to narrow the margin.

Gunnison Valley outscored the Eagles 10-0 after halftime, with Sorensen's touchdown pass and Salas' field goal accounting for all of the Bulldogs' points.

The loss dropped Gunnison Valley to 4-5 overall and 1-3 in 1A North region play. Millard finished its regular season 5-5 overall and 2-2 in region competition.

The Bulldogs entered the game following a 48-0 victory over North Sevier on Oct. 9, their fourth win of the season.

Gunnison Valley also recorded victories over Providence Hall, Grand County and Milford earlier in the year. The Bulldogs finished the regular season with 200 points scored and 197 allowed across their nine games.

Despite the loss to Millard, Gunnison Valley will continue its season in the 1A state football playoffs.

The Bulldogs earned the No. 7 seed and advanced directly to the quarterfinal round, where they will face No. 2 Kanab.

The Cowboys enter postseason competition with a 7-3 overall record.

Gunnison Valley will travel to Kanab for the quarterfinal matchup Friday, Oct. 30, at 6 p.m., with a berth in the state semifinals at stake.