High school football: Costly turnovers cut East’s season in 6A semifinals

East turned the ball over three times in falling to American Fork 37-27 in 6A semifinals

Published: Nov 15, 2019, 7:31 p.m. MST

Action in the 6A semifinal football game between American Fork and East at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. Steve Griffin, Deseret News

James has been covering high school sports in Utah for the Deseret News for three decades.

SALT LAKE CITY — The turnover woes that perplexed East in the previous two rounds of the playoffs showed up again in Friday’s 6A semifinal, only this time the Leopards couldn’t overcome them with quick defensive stops.

After the first quarter American Fork scored every time it touched the ball offensively when it wasn’t taking a knee, a discouraging ending to a season that East coach Brandon Matich said was extremely successful.

“I think they came a long way. I think they’re better than this finale performance.” — East coach Brandon Matich

“I think they came a long way. I think they’re better than this finale performance,” said Matich, whose team beat Bingham last week to reach the semifinals. “I’m proud of this group — I think this group has done a lot of great things. They’ve come a long way since Week 1, and I didn’t think anybody had any expectations of us being here.”

There may have been muted expectations early in the season, but over the past month East has been regarded as one of the top contenders to No. 1 Corner Canyon.

Turnovers, however, ultimately denied East a shot at the Chargers in next week’s title game.

“I don’t know why we turn the ball over in these key moments, but it happens. They’re 15-, 16-, 17-year old kids. They gave it everything they had. I’m proud of these boys,” said Matich.

American Fork's Taylor Crump breaks up a pass intended for East's TJ Motuliki in the 6A semifinal game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

American Fork vs. East in the 6A semifinal game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

American Fork's Jaxon Gregory drives past East's Iversyn Tapusoa in the 6A semifinal game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

American Fork's Jaxon Gregory drives past an East player in the 6A semifinal game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The American Fork defense stops East running back Amini Amone during 6A semifinal football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. The Cavemen defeated the Leopards, advancing to the championship game. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News

The American Fork bench celebrates a late touchdown during 6A semifinal football game against East at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. The Cavemen defeated the Leopards, advancing to the championship game. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News

American Fork offensive linemen Kaleb Ostler and Aidan Stephenson celebrate a running touchdown during 6A semifinal football game against East at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. The Cavemen defeated the Leopards, advancing to the championship game. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News

East’s Osotonu Samani carries the American flag as the Leopards take the field before their 6A semifinal football game against American Fork at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News

East safety Piuleini Tausinga knocks American Fork’s Noah Moeaki into the air during 6A semifinal football game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. The Cavemen defeated the Leopards, advancing to the championship game. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News

East’s Vi Tunuufi, left, gets his helmet knocked off during 6A semifinal football game against American Fork at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. The Cavemen defeated the Leopards, advancing to the championship game. | Steve Griffin, Deseret News

East threw two interceptions in the first half and had another fumble in the fourth quarter — all near American Fork’s 30-yard line.

The first interception wasn’t costly, as American Fork punted right back, but the latter two were huge blows for the Leopards as they tried to rally, particularly the fourth-quarter fumble with East trailing 30-21. By the time it got the ball back, the deficit had swelled to 37-21.

Watch replay: American Fork 37, East 27

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The biggest bright spot for East despite the loss was the play of freshman running back Amini Amone, who carried the ball 23 times for 137 yards and three touchdowns.

He eclipsed the 1,800-yard mark with Friday’s performance and will be one of the top players to watch as a sophomore next year.

“He’s an unusual cat. He’s way mature beyond his years. I know it’s a cliché and people say that, but he doesn’t look like a freshman. He’s a special kid. He’ll probably be the best we’ve ever had come through here,” said Matich.

For a school that’s produced standout backs Ula Tolutau and Jaylen Warren in the past six years, that’s high praise for Amone’s future.

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