SANDY — The Jordan Beetdiggers enjoyed a well-rounded effort Friday night, as offense, defense and special teams all played a role in defeating the Layton Lancers, 42-18.
Jordan quarterback McCoy Hill led an offensive attack that was as prolific through the air as it was on the ground. The senior signal-caller threw for 274 yards and three touchdowns to go with 110 yards rushing. Running back Austin Grant chipped in 65 yards receiving and three touchdowns.
The 'Digger defense did its part, stifling and frustrating a Layton offense that has the ability to rack up yards itself. Rounding out an impressive overall team effort were the 'Diggers special teams, which blocked a punt for a touchdown and recovered a fumbled punt return.
The evening got off to a rough start for the Lancers when their first drive ended on Blake Miller's interception in the end zone. At the end of the first quarter, Jordan struck first with a 33-yard toss from McCoy to Taylor Loomis for a 7-0 lead.
At the onset of the second quarter, Layton was forced to punt from deep in its own territory. Jordan's Nick Buchan broke through the line to block the kick, and defensive lineman Taylor Frenchwood scooped the ball up for a 5-yard touchdown.
Down 14-0, Lancers running back Grant Walker led the team downfield through short, quick gains. Quarterback Derek Thomas hooked up with J.T. Anderson for a 21-yard touchdown.
Then the Jordan onslaught began. Two long passes from McCoy to Loomis and Mason Gajkowski took the 'Diggers to the 1-yard line, where Grant dove in for the score. After Miller forced and recovered a fumbled punt return attempt, Grant scored again on a 19-yard screen from McCoy.
Walker kicked a 36-yard field goal as the first half ended to bring the score to 28-10. Frenchwood would be ejected on the play after a helmet-to-helmet hit on the Layton holder.
Jordan started the third quarter strongly, lengthening the margin to 35-10 on Hill's 12-yard keeper. The Lancers continued to play hard, earning a turnover when Taylor Young picked off Hill near midfield. Thomas scored on a 41-yard keeper for a 35-16 margin just before a 30-minute lightning delay.
The game resumed as the night approached 10 p.m., but little changed in the play on the field. Grant scored on another long toss from Hill for a 42-16 margin. Layton would add two points on a safety after a bad snap on a punt attempt.
Thomas led Layton with 114 yards passing and 157 on the ground. The Lancers picked up 359 yards of total offense, compared to 423 for the Diggers, but struggled to finish drives.