Trojans earn the No. 1 seed for the 3A state playoffs and a first-round bye

For Morgan head football coach Jared Barlow, though it is nice to win a 3A North title, the ultimate goal has not been reached. 

“It is always awesome to win a region title,” said Barlow after Morgan’s 72-0 win at Union. “The boys and coaches have worked really hard. As nice as a Region title is, it is only a step in what we want to accomplish.” 

The objective, a 3A state title that would be the Trojans’ second in three years, is the prize that comes later in November, hopefully. 

At the rate that these Trojans are going, anything is possible for a team that only allowed three points in region play and heads into the state playoffs with a No. 1 seed. 

Morgan ran its record to 5-0 in the 3A North and 10-0 overall with a win checking off all the boxes in the first quarter. It had an 11-yard leaping TD from senior Boston Zack and a zigzag dash from eight yards out from Lincoln Gilson, the Trojans’ senior standout. 

Those scores were followed by a 24-yard fumble recovery TD from junior Luke Bauerle. The scoreboard clock was showing there was still 8:16 left in the first quarter, but the Trojans were already ahead by the score of 21-0. 

With 4:38 to play in the first, senior Drew Korth would barrel through Union’s line on a 24-yard rushing TD. Capping off a five-score first quarter was senior Tate Steel, who picked off a Union pass and ran it back 20 yards for his first career TD, handing Morgan a 34-0 lead with a minute to go. 

Early in the second quarter, Boston Zack would grab his second TD reception of the game from senior Beck Sheffield. Later in the second, Gilson would score on a 3-yard run and the senior Zack would help himself to his third TD catch. 

To end the first half in style, Gilson would show off his versatility, bursting past Union’s defenders for a 60-yard punt return TD, giving the Trojans a 62-0 lead at halftime. 

“We have continually seen growth throughout the season and love the trajectory of the team. Not only has the varsity been able to go undefeated during the regular season, but so have the JV and Freshmen teams,” said Barlow of the program’s overall health. “Those teams have had the opportunity to play Davis, Maple Mountain, Rigby [Idaho], Green Canyon, Bountiful, and other bigger schools. We have a culture of success and whenever we play, we expect to win. The work and preparation allows the confidence to feel that way. I am blessed to be part of such an amazing group of young men.” 

Fast forward to the second half at Union, and the Trojans were reaching into their bench, getting a 35-yard TD pass from junior Cade Randall to freshman Eli Mortensen in the third quarter. A 34-yard field goal from sophomore Carter Gorham concluded a perfect 5-0 season in the 3A North. For Barlow and the Trojans, another season awaits. 

“As the playoffs begin, we will continue to prepare each week to be the best version of us as we can.  We look forward to the opportunity to compete and represent our school and community.” 

In girls soccer, the 4th-seeded Trojans advanced to the 3A state semifinals after an 8-0 win over Juab in the second round and a 5-0 blanking of Carbon in the quarterfinals. They will were scheduled to play No. 1-seeded Judge Memorial Catholic [Salt Lake City] at Zions Bank Stadium Thursday, Oct. 24. λ