No. 11 Alta Hawks Pull Out Close Win Over Roy In 5A Quarterfinals

SALT LAKE CITY – The No. 11 Alta Hawks pulled out a nail-biting four-point win over the Roy Royals in the 5A State Playoff Quarterfinals.

The first half was highlighted by big offensive plays while the second half was all defense.

Alta will play the Bountiful Redhawks at Rice-Eccles Stadium in the semifinals.

Alta wins!

The Hawks hold on in the second half to advance to the 5A semifinals where they will face Bountiful. 🏈#GameNightLive #KSLGameNight @KSLSportsRewind @JeremiahJensen @mariluzcook @SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/CSsJ8AolK7

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

First Half

The Royals started the semifinals with a bang.

Robert Young got around the defense on the kickoff and took it to the house for a quick 6-0 lead.

Robert Young = athlete.

It’s an early 6-0 lead for the Royals. 🔥 #GameNightLive #KSLGameNight@KSLSportsRewind@JeremiahJensen@mariluzcook@SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/GHSKAgn8AA

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

The Alta Hawks marched down the field with efficient offense on their first drive.

A balanced run-and-pass game led Alta into the red zone where they capitalized with a score.

Running back Anthony Cottis found the end zone to give the Hawks a one-point lead, 7-6.

Alta responds!@anthony_cottis catches the short pass and takes it in to give the Hawks a 7-6 lead. 🔥#GameNightLive #KSLGameNight @KSLSportsRewind @JeremiahJensen @mariluzcook @SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/N8KtRVb50Z

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

Alta forced a three-and-out on defense and got the ball back with a chance to increase their lead.

They were able to do just that.

Another impressive Alta drive led to a touchdown by Tele Afu.

Another one!

Alta forces a three-and-out which leads to a touchdown by Tele Afu. 💪#GameNightLive #KSLGameNight @KSLSportsRewind @JeremiahJensen @mariluzcook @SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/dRd9JrjwDt

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

After trading defensive stops, Roy got the ball and began moving downfield.

Alta held strong on their own side, forcing the Royals to settle for a field goal.

Colby Frokjer sent it straight through the middle to drop the Hawks lead to four, 13-9.

Roy tacks on three from 48 yards! 👀#GameNightLive #KSLGameNight @KSLSportsRewind @JeremiahJensen @mariluzcook @SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/M5k2VPsSV5

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

Alta had a chance to score before the end of the half but disaster struck for the Hawks.

Instead of taking a field goal, they took two shots at the end zone. The first was incomplete and the second was intercepted by the Roy defense.

The Royals took a knee to go into the half down by four, 13-9.

Its halftime!

Roy steps up big and intercepts Alta before the break to prevent another score. Second half up next! 👉#GameNightLive #KSLGameNight @KSLSportsRewind @JeremiahJensen @mariluzcook @SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/ssJYlnfF9X

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

Second Half

Alta got the ball after the break and immediately brought the offensive fireworks.

Roy buckled down after a big run play and forced Alta to take a field goal. The kick missed to the right.

The defensive intensity picked up for both sides following the stop. Neither Alta nor Roy could get much going in the third quarter.

Just before the end of the third, Roy broke off a long run and looked poised to score to start the final quarter.

Big play!

Robert Young sets Roy up in scoring position at the end of the third. 😤#GameNightLive #KSLGameNight @KSLSportsRewind @JeremiahJensen @mariluzcook @SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/8CXGoq8lDm

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

The Hawks built a wall on the goal line and pulled off four straight stops to hold onto their lead.

Shortly after getting the ball, Alta fumbled and gave the ball back to Roy on the 21-yard line.

The theme of defense continued as the Royals were stuffed by Alta. They took a short field goal but couldn’t put it through.

Four straight stops for Alta on the goalline 😱#GameNightLive #KSLGameNight @KSLSportsRewind @JeremiahJensen @mariluzcook @SSylvester55 pic.twitter.com/dDtftG6cPg

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 4, 2023

With less than two minutes left, Alta had possession and looked to run the clock down.

The Hawks did just that and pulled out a 13-9 win over the Royals.

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