SANDY — Running out of the tunnel at Rio Tinto Stadium wasn't something the Hillcrest or Murray football teams could prepare for.
"I couldn't breathe," said Alex Thompson, a senior captain. "It was so cool."
Senior offensive lineman Dylan Ford said it exceeded anything they imagined.
"We're the first high school football teams to experience this stadium," Ford said. "It was the most amazing feeling on earth. It's what I imagine it's like coming out of the tunnel at a college game."
In the first ever high school game at Rio Tinto, Hillcrest defeated Murray 27-7. Rain fell intermittently and lightening canceled the halftime show and forced fans to wait in the concourse for about 25 minutes. But for players and fans from both schools, the experience of playing in the state-of-the-art stadium was something they won't soon forget.
"This was a great opportunity for both of these schools," said Hillcrest head coach Kirk Merhish. "Rio Tinto treated us awesome. We're very appreciative to them. It was fun to play in such an amazing venue, and the boys rose to the occasion."
The Huskies got off to a slow start, especially defensively, as Murray running back Christian Jensen seemed able to run wherever he wanted.
"The defense was a little sloppy in the first half," said Merhish. "But we were able to shut them down in the red zone."
Hillcrest scored first on a 12-yard pass from senior Tanner Kemp to Thompson. The extra point attempt failed, and then in the second quarter, Murray responded with a touchdown.
James Hawkins scored on a four-yard run, and Joshua Nelson's PAT gave Murray the lead going into halftime, 7-6.
"Mental errors," said Nick Merhish, senior captain, when asked what they discussed at halftime. "We talked about doing the little things that make a difference."
Added senior receiver and captain Andy Harris, "We made a few adjustments that helped as well."
The second half belonged to the Huskies. Junior quarterback Tanner Dastrup came out in the second half and really moved the offense. He led the team down the field for two touchdowns — one a four-yard pass to Thompson and the other a Kyle Gashler 13-yard touchdown run.
Coach Merhish said that while Kemp is the team's starter, he recognizes Dastrup's talent and wants to give him the opportunity to be successful.
The players are comfortable with either quarterback, and Kemp and Dastrup were extremely supportive of each other.
"For the offensive line it's just listening to a different voice," said Ford.
The Huskies said they have always been a team that prefers to play from behind, but that's not something they want to continue to do.
"We have a mental block," said Thompson. "It's not a good thing, trust me."
Added Nick Merhish, "This is something for us to work on this week."
Nick Merhish was in a motorcycle accident that severely cut his face. He almost didn't get to play Friday night. Even if the game had been at Hillcrest, Nick said he wouldn't have missed the chance to play against Murray.
"I'd rather suck it up and play," he said.
It was worth it when the four captains met Rio Tinto officials at the 50-yard line to accept the "Heart of the Wasatch Cup."
"Words can't describe it," said Nick.
Added Thompson, "Best feeling of my life so far."
e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com