Our defense always kills it. Our defense is strong and it helps out our offense a lot. – Pleasant Grove's Malik Overstreet
PLEASANT GROVE — A resilient and tough-minded defense along with some electrifying play from Malik Overstreet propelled Pleasant Grove to a 28-19 victory over Corner Canyon Friday night.
Overstreet provided three of the Vikings’ four touchdowns, topping off his standout effort with an 84-yard punt return that put a charge into his team while providing some breathing space on the scoreboard.
With Pleasant Grove clinging to a 21-19 lead, and with 7:23 remaining in the game, Overstreet fielded the punt deep in Viking territory, made a quick scamper to the sideline and then took off toward the end zone.
“They called right, so I tried to get as far right as I could and when I got downfield I saw a lane open left. So I ran to that lane and just went as hard as I could,” Overstreet said of his punt return that gave his team a 28-19 lead midway through the fourth quarter.
Setting up Overstreet's punt return was a stellar Viking defensive effort that overcame five turnovers by the offense to turn back the Chargers time and again. Most notable was a stand during a 2-point conversion at the start of the fourth quarter.
Following a Pleasant Grove turnover, Corner Canyon gained prime field position which it then cashed in with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Hayden Borg to Trevor Miller. The score cut Pleasant Grove's lead to just 21-19 with 11:55 remaining with Corner Canyon coach Don Eck opting to go for the tie on a 2-point conversion.
The first attempt at two points drew a roughing the passer penalty after Pleasant Grove stopped the Chargers just short of the goal line. Then, instead of hanging their heads, the defense stopped an attempted run up the middle to secure the lead.
“That goal-line stand was huge. I think it took the wind out of them not to get that 2-point conversion,” said Pleasant Grove coach Les Hamilton.
The defense again stood strong, forcing a Corner Canyon three and out right after Overstreet's punt return to help secure the win.
"Our defense always kills it. Our defense is strong and it helps out our offense a lot," Overstreet said.
Helping out the offense directly was Overstreet himself, who scored on a nine-yard reception from Isaac Hamilton to give the Vikings a 14-10 lead right before the half. Overstreet scored again on a 66-yard reception toward the end of the third quarter to extend Pleasant Grove's lead to 21-13.
“I expect it from him. He’s a stud,” Hamilton said of Overstreet's effort. “He’s fast, he’s athletic and we can’t give him the ball enough. He makes big plays and he’s like lightning in a bottle.”
Between Overstreet's heroics and stellar defensive play was a game marred by mental mistakes on both sides. Flags were thrown often while the Vikings had trouble hanging onto the football, which caused Hamilton to make a change at quarterback late in the game.
“We had some jitters from our young quarterback, but Bub Wilde came in and did a great job down the stretch,” Hamilton said. “It was a team effort tonight and we’re proud of our guys.”
Hamilton was also complimentary toward the Chargers for their overall effort.
“Boy, that’s a good football team,” Hamilton said. “They’re really good defensively. They’re big and strong up front. Corner Canyon is going to win a lot of games this year.”
With the win, Pleasant Grove starts the season 1-0 and will next travel to take on Del Oro (California) High. Corner Canyon will try and rebound on the road against Maple Mountain.
Email: bgurney@desnews.com
Twitter: @BrandonCGurney