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SPRINGVILLE — Good defense leads to good offense; and for Springville, that was the case in a 24-7 victory over Highland in the first round of the 5A state playoffs.
The Red Devils scored 24 straight points to defeat Highland while pitching a defensive shutout, totaling six turnovers, to lift Springville to victory.
"Nothing to lose," Springville head coach Dave Valeti said. "I tell my kids, 'One week at a time.' We have nothing to lose, it's beautiful."
Highland's 7 points came off of a pick six by Caleb Koelliker to open the scoring in the second quarter, adding to the testament of a defensive-minded game.
Through the first half, there were eight interceptions between the two teams, with four interceptions, two coming via fumble, and two turnovers on downs.
"We have some new guys in and we are trying to find a rhythm there with some new pieces," Valeti said. "Eventually, we had to go back to who we are to open things up."
Springville found themselves in the second half totaling 24 straight points, backed by two passing touchdowns by Easton Leavitt.
The Red Devils gained its momentum after Reid Deede hauled in a 30-yard reception for a touchdown, then stripped the ball on the ensuing defensive drive that led to another touchdown late in the third quarter.
With three minutes left in the game, Leavitt found a wide-open Jack Pickering for a touchdown to pull ahead by three scores. Pickering ended the game with an interception with 37 seconds left.
Springville will head to region-foe Timpview, whom they lost 45-0 earlier this season on Nov. 1.
