DRAPER — In Juan Diego's storied 12-year history, the football team has never lost its first two games of the season.
Coach John Colosimo didn't want to use that as a motivating tool Friday night. Turned out he didn't have to, as Brock Garn rushed for 106 yards and the Soaring Eagle defense came up with seven turnovers in a 41-21 non-region win over Park City.
After giving up an electrifying 58-yard run in the first two minutes of the game, Juan Diego frustrated Park City's spread offense. The Soaring Eagle forced five turnovers in the second half, and the offense controlled the ball, thanks to Garn, who also ran for three touchdowns, and fellow backs Cody Berg (12 carries, 58 yards), Wyatt Wilson (8-46), Nathan Elorreaga, Payton Heuser and Dustin Poore.
Juan Diego dominated time of possession, rolled up 216 yards on the ground and, unlike last week, had no difficulties on special teams.
Afterward, there were dozens of smiles on the Juan Diego sidelines because most players felt last week's 34-28 overtime loss to West was one that got away.
"This game was good for our defense," said Colosimo. "We're young and inexperienced, and we have to learn some things."
The Soaring Eagle gave up two kickoff returns for touchdowns against West, but that didn't happen on this night, which also featured occasional rain and a nearby thunder and lightning show.
Park City's three scores came on a long run by Robert Cashel that got the visiting crowd into the game, but it didn't last long as Juan Diego rallied to tie it less than two minutes later.
Park City also scored on a halfback option pass from Heath Vincent to Jono Schettler, and then another nice catch by Schettler in the game's final moments.
"Our offense can produce. We proved we can move the ball," said Park City coach Kai Smalley, who seemed energized even though his team dropped to 0-2. "I like how we started the game, and how we finished. We made some good plays, and the rest will come."
Smalley noted that at least three of Park City's five interceptions came on tipped passes. The Miners only trailed 21-14 late in the second quarter, but Juan Diego quarterback Elorreaga made a nifty run to score just before halftime, and the Soaring Eagle put together another long scoring drive to open the second half.
The Soaring Eagle defense also began to come up with big turnovers, which kept Park City's offense off the field. Garn helped put the game away with two second-half touchdowns.
"I really liked how he played," said Colosimo. "We found our second running back tonight."
Juan Diego travels to play at Cyprus next week, while Park City tries to get a win when it hosts Delta.