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BOUNTIFUL — With two undefeated teams battling for dominance, the energy in the stadium in Bountiful was high.
Northridge came into the game riding high off a 35-7 win against Box Elder, while Viewmont was fresh off a double-overtime victory over Bountiful. Both teams entered the Friday night showdown boasting a perfect 4-0 record, but only one could leave with their winning streak intact.
It was Northridge who had the honor in a 24-13 win Friday night.
The game opened with both squads making bold statements, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Northridge struck first with 3:36 left in the first quarter as quarterback Tre Nye connected with wide receiver Chase Harris for a 30-yard touchdown. Harris' breakaway speed brought the score to 7-0 in favor of the Knights.
However, Viewmont wasted no time in answering. Moments later, Cache Tuia electrified the home crowd, returning Northridge's kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown. It was clear early the game would be defined by big plays.
The first quarter showcased Viewmont's strong defensive presence with two critical sacks on Northridge's offense. Yet, the connection between Nye and Andrew Ortiz proved challenging for the Vikings to contain. Ortiz's powerful runs and critical receptions helped Northridge move the ball despite the defensive pressure.
"I trust him," Ortiz said of his quarterback after the game. "He knows when to give it to me, and he knows when to pull it. It's really just trust. We have each other's backs, and I trust everybody on my team."
By the end of the first half, the game remained close, but Northridge regained the lead as they capitalized on a 32-yard field goal in the final seconds, going into halftime with a 10-7 advantage.
After the break, Northridge found their rhythm, beginning the second half with a game-changing play. Viewmont mishandled a punt return, and Tayven Norvang flew down the field, recovering the live ball at the Vikings' 20-yard line.
The recovery set up another score, as Nye found Dontae Dyson for a 20-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 17-7.
Frustration mounted for Viewmont as they struggled to get their offense in sync. Northridge's relentless defense stifled the Vikings, preventing any consistent progress on the field.
In the fourth quarter, Northridge's energy reached its peak. Viewmont, still searching for a spark, saw a pass slip through the hands of wide receiver Drez Jensen, only to be intercepted by Northridge's Isreal Arocha. The turnover crushed the Vikings' hopes of mounting a comeback, though they kept fighting.
Viewmont managed to score with 1:14 left in the game as wide receiver Kingston Mickens hauled in a 40-yard touchdown pass; however, a botched PAT left the score at 17-13, and any hope of a late rally gone.
In the closing seconds, Northridge sealed the victory with a dramatic exclamation point. Makai So'o intercepted a pass and returned it for a pick six, securing a 24-13 win for the Knights.
The win gives Northridge a 5-0 record as they continue their undefeated run. Meanwhile, Viewmont, despite their strong start to the season, will look to regroup and prepare for next week's matchup.
"We feel great!" Ortiz said. "We just came off our homecoming week, and to come out here and beat them on their homecoming week, it's surreal."
Both teams will be on the road next week. Northridge faces Bountiful, while Viewmont squares off against crosstown rival Woods Cross.
