Parowan breaks late tie, tops Gunnison Valley 15-7

PAROWAN—The Gunnison Valley Bulldogs had the kind of game they wanted Friday night — a defensive struggle, a lead on the road and a fourth quarter within reach.

They just couldn’t finish it.

Gunnison Valley watched Parowan break a 7-7 stalemate with 6:18 remaining in the fourth quarter, as Tyrel Vest broke loose for a 22-yard touchdown run that lifted the Rams to a 15-7 victory over the Bulldogs.

For most of the night, points were hard to come by.

Gunnison Valley struck first with 9:32 left in the second quarter when Chance Hammond took a run 24 yards for a touchdown. Edrick Salas added the extra point to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead.

Parowan answered before halftime.

Cooper Heath scored on a 9-yard run with 1:25 remaining in the second quarter, and Gradey Osborne connected on the ensuing two-point conversion to put the Rams ahead 8-7.

That score held through the entire third quarter.

Gunnison Valley’s defense kept Parowan from adding to its lead, but the Bulldogs couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity to regain control. The game remained a one-point contest heading into the final quarter.

Then Vest found the opening Parowan had been looking for.

His 22-yard touchdown run with 6:18 remaining gave the Rams their first touchdown of the second half and pushed their lead to 14-7. Parowan added the extra point to make it 15-7.

Gunnison Valley couldn’t produce a response in the closing minutes, and Parowan’s defense completed the shutout of the Bulldogs’ offense in the second half.

The loss drops Gunnison Valley to 3-2 on the season, while Parowan improves to 1-4.

The Bulldogs will face North Summit (3-2) on the road tomorrow night, with kickoff set for 7 p.m.