Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
WOODS CROOS — On a night filled with tricks and treats, Woods Cross almost found itself haunted by Olympus, but the Wildcats held on for a 13-6 win in its 5A second-round playoff matchup.
Woods Cross handily defeated Olympus 40-7 almost three weeks ago on Oct. 9.
"It wasn't pretty," Wildcats head coach Brody Benson said. "Defense, defense, what can I say? They did a great job all night long bailing us out. Olympus switched some things up, and they were ready to play. That's a good football team."
The Wildcats answered a Titans field goal with a 67-yard touchdown run by Teiyon Halbasch in the first quarter. A key first-half play had Woods Cross attempt a fourth-and-1 on their own 12-yard line, which failed, resulting in another Titans field goal.
"We pride ourselves on being a second-half team," Benson said. "We condition the hell out of these kids. They go both ways, they don't quit, and they know we're not going to get worn out. We've worked way too hard for that."
The Wildcats defense put on their best ball hawking costumes in the second half forcing multiple turnovers. Leading the charge for the Wildcats, Wyatt Hunter had two interceptions in the playoff win.
Hunter said Olympus didn't look much different than the team Woods Cross beat 40-7 earlier this month, which made the victory all the better.
"They didn't really bring anything different," Hunter said. "I've hated these guys ever since the day I was born. I've got cousins that go there — this one meant everything. I've never lost to them in my life, and I wanted to keep it that way."
The win marks another step in Benson's fifth year leading the Wildcats and another sign of how far the program has come.
"Five years, and every single year we've taken a step forward," Benson said. "The difference now is belief. These guys believe they can compete with anyone. We're fighting for Monday practices, and that's a great feeling."
When asked how he'd celebrate a gritty Halloween victory, Benson laughed.
"I'm taking my daughter trick-or-treating," he said. "We'll enjoy this one tonight and we'll be back at it tomorrow morning."
Woods Cross will now face Orem at 6 p.m. MDT on Nov. 7.
