Morgan blasts Crimson Cliffs 41-13 in season opener

It all started with a plan. Against Crimson Cliffs at home Friday Aug. 16, the Morgan Trojans sustained a drive thanks to pass completions from senior quarterback Beau Sheffield, who found several different targets in the first quarter and mixed that gameplan with a few handoffs. But, the drive stalled at the Crimson Cliffs 38, and the Trojans had to punt. 

The Trojans’ defense stood firm, though, and forced Crimson Cliffs to punt from inside its own end zone. 

Lincoln Gilson cut to his right, then left, found daylight around the left end and was gone. For the senior, it was a 48-yard punt return touchdown not just for him—but for the team creating it. 

“The team has put a lot of work into the offseason, not only preparing to play football but also building our team,” said head coach Jared Barlow after the Trojans knocked off the defending 4A champions 41-13. “The work and focus it has taken was not always easy.” 

Morgan [1-0] won the field position battle from the first quarter on; there were many position battles during fall camp but it was Sheffield who stepped on the newly painted, resodded grass as the Trojans starting QB. 

Sheffield scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper late in the second quarter to put the Trojans ahead 20-0 after Gilson scored his second TD on a 12-yard jet sweep. 

The Trojans’ defense played their role in this first-half flurry, too, punching the Crimson Cliffs’ offense by deflecting a pass at the line of scrimmage, a fluttering duck that fell into the arms of a Morgan player for an interception. 

In the second half, two Trojan sophomores tacked on three more TDs and Morgan would cruise to a victory. Kanyon Leonelli rumbled in from two and five yards out on TD runs and Jace Nye would scoop up a Crimson Cliffs fumble and go 81 yards the other way for the final score. 

“I am so proud of the team at how well we have been able to come together to beat a team like Crimson Cliffs who so many respect. All that work paid off in that game,” said Coach Barlow who picked up his 40 win in charge of the Trojans. “The team played hard for each other and the community.” 

There was balance on both sides of the football. Gilson and Drew Korth had nine carries apiece; Leonelli and Sheffield each had four—Morgan combined for four rushing TDs. 

Together, Sheffield and junior Cade Randall combined for 214 yards passing at QB and five players each had three or more catches [Boston Zack, Bauerle, Gilson, Ben Russell and Jack Hurd] totaling 18 or more yards. On defense, 16 players had two or more tackles. 

“I want to see that same work and unity going forward. This team has a lot of potential, and if we continue to unite and work for each other we can reach that potential,” said Coach Barlow, warning of the job ahead next week. “Sky View is another quality opponent that has a storied past with success. We have our work cut out for us, but with focus and work we will continue our positive trajectory.” 

Girls soccer 

The Trojans moved to 2-3 on the season, taking a huge 3-0 win at Rowland Hall Aug. 13. Macie Burton scored two goals and Amy Thomas one in the victory. [MHS lost 2-1 to Bear River a day earlier. λ