6A playoffs: Lone Peak advances to title game with a 28-21 win over Skyridge

SALT LAKE CITY — Lone Peak secured a hard-fought 28-21 victory over Skyridge in the 6A semifinals showdown Thursday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

With this win, the Knights (11-2) advance to the 6A championship game next Thursday, where they'll face a formidable Corner Canyon (12-1) team in a highly-anticipated rematch.

Both teams entered the semifinal game with identical 10-2 records, a fierce rivalry, and playoff legacies — the Falcons won the state title in 2022, while the Knights claimed it in 2021. The first meeting this season ended in a narrow 21-16 win for Skyridge, setting the stage for an intense rematch in the semifinals.

Skyridge wasted no time on the opening drive, quickly marching 80 yards downfield to take an early 7-0 lead. Quarterback Kaneal Sweetwyne's 10-yard keeper capped a strong offensive push, igniting the Falcons' sideline. But Lone Peak responded just as quickly, with senior Landan Goff electrifying the stadium by returning the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to the house, tying the game at 7-7 and putting momentum back in the Knights' hands.

A series of crucial turnovers and timely defensive stands defined the first half. Lone Peak's Goff intercepted Sweetwyne's pass to halt a promising Skyridge drive, and quarterback Kepa Niumeitolu connected with Jasean Mayberry for a 7-yard touchdown to give the Knights a 14-point lead.

Sweetwyne managed to keep Skyridge in the game, though, finding Adam Warren for a 30-yard touchdown with seconds left in the half, cutting the Lone Peak lead to 21-14 at halftime.

In the second half, Lone Peak's offense struck early, as Niumeitolu delivered a perfect end zone pass to Ike Staley, who made the catch to extend the Knights' lead to 28-14.

Skyridge, determined to make it a contest, made their way back with a powerful drive, capped by a 1-yard rushing touchdown from senior running back Wes Valgardson, making it 28-21.

With both defenses stepping up in the final quarter, the Knights held off Skyridge's late offensive surges, securing a 28-21 victory to punch their ticket to the state title game.

The upcoming championship game will see Lone Peak aiming for its second 6A title in three years against Corner Canyon, a team they defeated 28-21 earlier this season.

The Chargers reached the final after a nail-biting 35-34 overtime win over Lehi in the other semifinal, setting up a thrilling rematch on the biggest stage.

For Skyridge, the season ends with a 10-3 record, falling just short of their third consecutive trip to the finals despite Sweetwyne's standout performance — running for 97 yards and passing for 149.

Related topics