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HIGHLAND — Good things tend to happen in football when the defense finds the end zone, which Mountain Ridge proved on two separate occasions in a 31-17 road win against Lone Peak Friday night.
"Everybody says that we haven't played anybody or that we aren't able to play at this caliber, so it's important for our guys to know that they belong," Mountain Ridge head coach Mike Meifu said. "They've worked hard and they deserve this."
Facing an early 10-point deficit, Sentinels defensive end Cole Branan scooped up a fumble for a 65-yard touchdown recovery to put Mountain Ridge on the board in the second quarter.
When the Knights threatened to tie the contest at the goal line late in the fourth quarter, linebacker Tanner Dejong flew in for an interception and a 95-yard return for a game-clinching score.
"They played fantastic," Meifu said of his defense. "They put in the time in the film room and in practice so they were ready to go tonight. They gave up some yards early but buckled down and showed some resiliency."
Sentinels quarterback Wyatt Bingham tossed a touchdown to Kai Meza, while wide receiver Legend Glasker ran for his own 16-yard score. Mountain Ridge kicker and BYU commit Brody Laga was perfect in four extra point attempts and drilled a 46-yard field goal just before halftime.
Aside from the ill-fated pick six and scoreless second half, Lone Peak quarterback Jackson Blake found receiver Seth Haskett for a 25-yard touchdown in the first quarter and ran for another 18-yard end zone trip, as well.
Mountain Ridge moves to a perfect 4-0 on the season heading into its bye week before a premier matchup with Corner Canyon on Sept. 15.
"Our guys have trusted each other, they've trusted their technique, they've played hard and trusted that one play at a time (mentality)," Meifu said. "They're capable of making great plays out here."
