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OREM — Over its last seven games, Orem has outscored its opponents 306-44, with four of those games giving up 3 points or less.
Against the triple-option offense of Woods Cross, Orem gave up just 7 points in a 35-7 win to punch a ticket to Rice-Eccles Stadium to take on No. 1 West in the 5A semifinals.
In a game where Orem lost their star quarterback and Alabama commit Tayden Kaawa, the Tigers were still able to put up a comfortable amount of points to lead the team to victory.
Kaawa suffered a concussion in the second quarter after what appeared to be a late hit to him. Kaawa was knocked unconscious and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
"I thought the hit on our quarterback was really, really, really late," Orem coach Lance Reynolds said. "Our guys feel like they have to retaliate and it got out of hand for a minute."
Out of hand, indeed, as there were two consecutive penalties, including a bench penalty from Orem and three injuries in four plays.
Reynolds said after the game that Kaawa is in concussion protocol and the team will get him on the recovery path as soon as possible. Backup quarterback Lucky Sugutuarga finished the game for the Tigers and scored a rushing touchdown in his efforts.
The scoring opened with BYU commit Kaue Akana high-pointing a pass from Kaawa and got his feet down to give the Tigers a quick lead.
"I like to lead by example, and I feel like I give my teammates hope when I make plays," Akana said. "Everyone feels more excited and amped up."
Late in the first half, Utah commit Aisa Galea'i punched in one of his two touchdown runs from 15 yards out and went into the second half with a 21-0 lead.
To open the third quarter, Galea'i took it home with a 35-yard run to give Orem a commanding lead and put the game out of reach.
Orem and West will kick off from Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 11 a.m. MST.
