Under the bright lights of Southern Utah University’s Eccles Coliseum, the Canyon View Falcons authored a dramatic chapter in their crosstown rivalry on Friday night. Overcoming a sluggish start and a 9-0 deficit, the Falcons exploded for 19 unanswered points, securing a hard-fought 19-9 victory over the defending state 3A champion Cedar Reds in the annual Coal Creek Classic.

A Strong Start for Cedar

For much of the opening two quarters, it appeared Cedar was well on its way to maintaining its recent upper hand in the series. The Reds struck first on the game's opening possession, methodically marching 80 yards down the field before running back Braxton DeMille punched it in from 7 yards out.

Though a missed point-after attempt kept the score at 6-0, Cedar added to its advantage early in the second quarter when Cody Stevenson nailed a 25-yard field goal, pushing the lead to 9-0. Meanwhile, Canyon View’s early offensive momentum repeatedly stalled out deep in enemy territory, resulting in a red-zone interception and a costly fumble.

The Turning Point Before Halftime

Momentum flipped dramatically in the final minute of the first half. With just over 60 seconds remaining before intermission, Falcons quarterback Owen Williams fired a pass that was deflected high into the air. Senior receiver Bryson Barnes tracked the erratic flight, leaping to secure a spectacular grab that electrified the Canyon View sideline.

Capitalizing on the lifeline, Williams connected with Karson Greenland on a 22-yard touchdown pass with a mere 18 seconds left on the clock, narrowing the deficit to 9-6 at the break.

Second-Half Surge Secures the Win

Armed with renewed confidence, Canyon View seized total control of the contest coming out of the locker room. The Falcons engineered a flawless opening drive of the third quarter, capped off by a 21-yard scoring strike from Williams to Preston Higgins to pull ahead.

Moments later, running back Camden Sheridan hammered his way through the Cedar defense for a 6-yard touchdown run, stretching the advantage to 19-9 with 3:16 left in the third frame. That defensive clampdown and clock-eating offense proved more than enough, as neither side found the end zone again for the remainder of the game.

Looking Ahead

• Canyon View (6-2, 2-2 3A South): Will host Richfield (6-2, 4-1) next Friday.

• Cedar (4-4, 2-2 3A South): Will return home next Friday to face the Juab Wasps (6-2, 4-0).

Selected 1A and 1A 8-Player Football Scores

• Beaver 49, Parowan 0
• Kanab 35, Enterprise 14
• Milford 40, Monticello 38

• Panguitch 46, Monument Valley 8

• Water Canyon 56, Utah Military Academy Hill Field 32