Morgan Wins 3A State Championship with Strong Defense
In a thrilling showdown at Southern Utah University, the Morgan Trojans clinched the 3A state championship with a hard-fought 13-2 victory over the unbeatable Richfield Wildcats. Despite their well-known reputation for an explosive offense, it was Morgan’s elite defense that paved the way for the win, snapping Richfield’s impressive 25-game winning streak.
Throughout the season, Morgan’s defense has been often overshadowed by its high-scoring offense, which posted an incredible 593 points leading up to the championship. Yet, against an equally talented Richfield team, Morgan’s defense shone bright, holding their opponent to just two points.
Coach Jared Barlow praised his team’s unselfish mentality, stating, “There’s a lot of unselfishness with this group. They were so focused on the team goal that it didn’t matter how we did it, who we did it with, they just wanted to make sure we won it with the team.” This win marks Morgan’s ninth state championship in school history and their second in the last three years.
During the game, both teams had their moments, but Morgan’s defense was particularly relentless. Defensive standout Nik Preece highlighted the intensity, saying, “Just being tough, going out and hitting them hard. We just rallied to the ball, made sure they didn’t get any yards and fought hard through all the plays.” Morgan ended the game with 276 total yards compared to Richfield’s 224 yards.
The first half was marked by tough plays and mistakes, including a penalty that resulted in a Richfield safety that gave them an early 2-0 lead. However, Morgan quickly turned the game around. The Trojans scored with a 27-yard touchdown pass from Beck Sheffield to Lincoln Gilson early in the second quarter, taking the lead at 7-2. Just before halftime, Morgan extended their lead to 13-2 with a powerful 3-yard rushing touchdown from Sheffield.
In the second half, Richfield struggled to move the ball, as Morgan’s defense held strong, allowing the Wildcats to only touch the ball three times. Coach Barlow emphasized keeping possession and maintaining the lead; his team succeeded by taking valuable time off the clock.
Sheffield finished with 119 passing yards and 63 rushing yards while Drew Korth contributed 76 rushing yards. The champions not only showcased their offensive skills but proved that their defense is just as elite. This stellar performance solidifies Morgan’s status as a powerhouse in high school football.
