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WASHINGTON — A second round playoff matchup between Crimson Cliffs and Cedar was a trampling by the Mustangs.
The Reds came into the match after defeating Pine View 34-23 in the first round last Friday, while the Mustangs had a week off. But Crimson Cliffs showed Friday night how diligently they've been working every day to prepare for the playoffs in a 56-0 win.
The Mustangs got on the board first when Mason Topalian found himself in the end zone on a 3-yard run to give Crimson Cliffs the early momentum. Toward the end of the first quarter, the next score came as Steele Barben found Tyler West, in the first of two first-half touchdowns, wide open near the sideline for a 57-yard touchdown.
In the second quarter, Cedar quarterback Everett Kelling threw three interceptions. The first interception resulted in a 39-yard QB keeper touchdown from Barben, while the second resulted in a 15-yard rushing touchdown by Boston Adamson.
West continued the scoring in the third quarter with a 54-yard catch for a touchdown to extend the lead to 42-0. McCord Christiansen later stormed 71 yards up the middle of the field for another score to closeout the third quarter.
With a dominant lead, the Mustangs chose to rest Barben and put in Darius Strickland at quarterback for the rest of the game. Caiden Garcia-Casey added to the scoring on a pitch from Strickland for a 7-yard touchdown for the final score of the night.
The Mustangs head on to the quarterfinal round next Friday where they will host Desert Hills.
