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ST. GEORGE — Layton Christian left no doubt in Friday's 1A state final.
The Eagles raced for 34 unanswered points out the gate and more than 300 rushing yards in a convincing 55-19 championship win over Kanab at Greater Zion Stadium in St. George.
It was a total touchdown party for the Eagles, with three different players who popped into the end zone for multiple scores in the 36-point victory.
Manu Vaitaki and Jessaia Giatris each tallied two rushing touchdowns apiece, with Giatris plowing ahead for 178 yards on 8.9 yards per carry. Eagles quarterback Jose Ribeiro led the balanced, 469-yard offensive attack with three passing scores, 134 yards and no turnovers.
"Everything was working with our guys up front. Like I always say, it starts with them," Layton Christian head coach Ray Stowers said. "They set the tone up front on offense running the ball and opened up things in the pass game."
Eagles receiver Malik Johnson added three touchdowns on the day, catching two and returning a punt 69 yards for a score in the third quarter.
Kanab was held scoreless until the second half when Derek Brown caught a pair of touchdowns from Griffen Bone, and Hayden Gubler found the end zone on an 18-yard run. Layton Christian's defense sacked bone twice, and Vaitaki added an interception, as well.
"Hats off to our defense; it was enough to get the job done," Stowers said.
The Eagles and Cowboys both complete the 2022 campaign at 10-3, with Layton Christian earning its first state title in school history.
