Morgan defense seals a big 42-3 win at home vs Grantsville
Oct 14, 2024 03:24PM ● By Brian Shaw
Junior Jack Hurd [No.1] follows his blockers around the left end for a short gain. Photo courtesy of Jessica Jorgensen
On a Friday night at home, the Morgan Trojans were having a few issues on offense late in the third quarter.
That’s when its defense came to the rescue. Junior Jake Hansen stepped in front of a throw intended for a Grantsville receiver and returned it 82 yards for a touchdown in a 42-3 Morgan win Friday Oct. 4.
“Any time we play Grantsville it will be an amazing event,” said Morgan head coach Jared Barlow. “The team was excited to play, with another opportunity to show people who we are.”
On Grantsville’s drive leading to the game-sealing play by Hansen that gave the Trojans a lead of 35-3, Morgan’s defense was getting pushed back toward its own 20-yard-line.
But, on this Blackout Night when Hansen and fellow junior Luke Bauerle would each have two interceptions and seven players had at least a share of a sack, the time sure seemed right for the Trojans defense to show up and show out like it did against a division rival like Grantsville.
“We looked forward for the opportunity to play a quality 3A program to see where we measured up,” said Coach Barlow of his Trojans squad that capped the night off with a 1-yard run from senior Krew Galbraith in the fourth quarter.
For Morgan [8-0, 3-0 3A North], its offense got 250 yards rushing on what was arguably an off night for the passing game [212 yards, two interceptions] by team standards.
The run game, however, was productive and included a team-high, season-high 18 carries from senior Lincoln Gilson, who scored three rushing touchdowns in the first half and had 119 yards on the ground for the Trojans. Senior Drew Korth added 95 yards rushing on 15 carries.
To cap the first half, senior Boston Zack would score on a 10-yard TD reception for the Trojans, who in their black jerseys took a 28-3 lead into the locker room at halftime.
“I am continually impressed with how well we are playing as a team,” said Coach Barlow of his Morgan squad that will next play another rival at home – Ogden, this Friday night.
“We have many talented athletes and I love how they work together to help our team be the best we can be.”
In girls soccer action, the Trojans ran their record to 9-1 in Region 13 play as they blasted Grantsville by the score of 7-1. In the game, senior and Idaho State University commit Lacie Poll scored three goals and assisted on two others, and Kapree Charlton added two goals for Morgan, while Amy Thomas and Macie Burton each tacked on a goal apiece. The Trojans will wrap up Region 13 play this week at Ben Lomond before turning its attention to the 3A state tournament that begins Oct. 16. λ