American Fork's defense is the real deal. If last week's shutout victory over Provo wasn't convincing enough, Friday night offered more proof.
The Cavemen frustrated highly regarded Highland all night, limiting them to less than 200 yards of total offense in racking up an impressive 31-7 road victory Friday night.
It wasn't just their defense, either. The Cavemen returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the second quarter and added a 99-yard kickoff return in the second half to seal the win.
"That was fun tonight. It was fun for the coaches, it was fun for the kids," said American Fork coach Davis Knight, whose team improved to 2-0 in the preseason while dropping Highland to 1-1.
It may have been fun, but it wasn't the prettiest game ever, with nearly a dozen first-half penalties killing momentum on virtually every drive. One of those big special teams plays early in the second quarter helped American Fork open the scoring as Kyle Sumsion blocked Highland's rugby-style punt near the 30-yard line and scooped it up at the three to make it 6-0 after the missed extra point.
The Cavemen doubled that lead just before the half on a highlight-reel drive by Jake Murphy. First he pulled down a one-handed snag on an 18-yard reception inside the red zone. Three plays later, on a fade route to the end zone, he outjumped Highland's defensive back for a 15-yard touchdown strike from Taylor Jones.
"Murphy made two, three big-time catches," said Knight.
Poor clock management in the final minute, not to mention two silly penalties by Highland, enabled American Fork's Eddie Holloway to boot a 30-yard field goal on the final play of the first half to make it 17-0.
As impressive as the Cavemen offense and special teams were in the first half, their defense was most impressive. They forced Highland into five straight three-and-outs during one stretch of the first half, and limited the Rams to just 46 yards of total offense in that opening half.
"The defensive coaches, coach (Bob) Eckles, did a great job. We've had some real positive things happen with our defensive ends and tackles, and coaches that have come in and really given us a boost," said Knight. "Those kids up in front, I'm just really proud of."
The Rams tried inching back into the game as Critter Nielson connected with Max Wood on a 52-yard touchdown pass to make it 17-7 with 6:09 remaining in the third quarter.
The momentum was short-lived. Chris Wernli responded with a 99-yard kickoff return to put American Fork back in front 24-7.
"He had a motor, didn't he?" said Knight. "He had about 120 yards last week rushing, he turned in an all-purpose performance tonight. He is a tough kid."
Statistically speaking, it wasn't an impressive performance by the Cavemen. They only finished with 122 yards passing and less than 50 yards rushing thanks to a pair of big negative-yardage plays in the first half. They were, however, opportunistic when they needed to be. Highland was again without star running back and linebacker Liam McNally, who's out with a hamstring injury.