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FARMINGTON — On a cool Wednesday night in Farmington, the Phoenix ended Fremont's seven-game winning streak and secured a 21-14 victory to split the 6A Region 1 title with the Silverwolves.
With the state championship playoff brackets just days away, both teams fought tooth and nail in what proved to be a thrilling final region game.
But Farmington's defense took center stage, led by senior Afu Fiefia, whose two interceptions — including a pivotal pick-six score — stopped the Fremont offense in its tracks.
"We started off the region knowing what we can do and what we are capable of; and we came out doing what we knew we could do," Fiefia said after the game. "Tonight, we were a team, and we fought for the person next to us."
The Phoenix struck early in the game with a field goal attempt that turned into something more when a roughing the kicker penalty gave Farmington a first down near the end zone.
Moments later, senior running back Travis Hoopes ran into the end zone, giving the Phoenix a 7-0 lead that would set the tone for the rest of the night.
Farmington's defense was relentless from the start, led by Fiefia and Jett Salmon, who repeatedly pressured Fremont quarterback Manase Tuatagaloa. Salmon, who had multiple sacks, said the team never lost sight of what was ahead of them.
"We are feeling pretty good after that," he said. "It was a long game, and we are tired, but it was a good game. We didn't give up. We stayed physical the whole time — pedal to the metal — and we never let up."
Fremont equalized in the second quarter with a stunning one-handed catch by Salesi Moa in the end zone, shifting momentum to the Silverwolves; however, Farmington answered back quickly, with Hoopes catching his second touchdown of the night just before halftime, giving Farmington a 14-7 lead.
Both teams battled fiercely down the stretch, but it was Fiefia who ultimately sealed the win for Farmington.
With just under 10 minutes left in the game, Fiefia snagged his first interception. And less than three minutes later, he picked off Tuatagaloa again, this time weaving through defenders for a pick-six score that extended the Phoenix lead to 21-7.
Fremont made a last-ditch effort, with Moa running through an open lane for his second touchdown of the night to bring the Silverwolves with a score at 21-14, but it was as close as the team could get to a much-improved Farmington team that started out the season with four consecutive losses.
"We prepared all year and finally put together all the little things that make a big difference," Farmington head coach Daniel Coats said. "Week after week, the boys built confidence and grew as men, and they came out today and showed it. Everybody did their part — there is no little part to football."
As the Phoenix celebrated their win, Coats reflected on Fiefia's performance.
"That is a special kid," he said. "The things he's battled through ... I mean, to be told that you only have so many months on this earth and then to fight and make himself into the amazing athlete and star that he is, that was a phenomenal play, but that's Afu. It didn't shock anybody here."
Farmington's victory secures them a share of the 6A Region 1 title and sends both teams into the playoffs with high stakes on the horizon.
With the Silverwolves' seven-game win streak snapped and the Phoenix riding a four-game win streak of their own, both teams now await Saturday's playoff bracket announcement to see who they'll face next for a chance at a state title.
