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SALT LAKE CITY — No. 2 seeded Crimson Cliffs redeemed itself after last season's championship loss with a 33-0 win over Green Canyon to secure its first 4A state title.
A horde of parents and students traveled from St. George to watch the Mustangs prevail in the afternoon game at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
Though a valiant effort by Green Canyon, the game was never close as Crimson Cliffs came out flying with a 73-yard passing touchdown from Steele Barben to Tyler West on the first offensive play of the game.
"We had the play drawn up the start of the week, and we just wanted to take a shot at first place," Barben said.
The Mustangs defense forced a Green Canyon fumble, which was recovered by Brock Baker, and gave Crimson Cliffs the chance to take an early 14-0 lead.
In the second quarter, the Mustangs turned the ball over after an unsuccessful fourth down on Green Canyon's 11-yard line, but the Wolves made little progress of the possession and were forced to punt the ball. On the snap, the ball went into the end zone and Crimson Cliffs got a safety.
"We've got 10 seniors that start on defense; we knew it was going to be a defensive battle," Crimson Cliffs head coach Wayne Alofipo said. "I think it speaks volume to their leadership and what they've done as a team."
The second half was similar to that of the first, with the Mustangs dominating the field on both sides of the ball. Barben connected with West a second time for a 3-yard passing touchdown followed by a 30-yard passing touchdown to Luke Childs.
"It's really hard to explain how much I love all these guys," West said. "We've been together for so long; it's hard to break that up."
West ended the game with 138 yards and 10 receptions, while Barben finished 22-of-27 for 295 passing yards.
Crimson Cliffs closed out the win with a made a 19-yard field goal by kicker Ty Ottenschott.
"Crimson Cliffs is finally on the map," Alofipo said.
