Cedar Valley Excessive College brand
No. 13 Cedar Valley took care of enterprise Friday night in Eagle Mountain, utilizing a giant second half to defeat No. 20 Viewmont 52-34 within the first spherical of the 5A state soccer playoffs.
The Aviators trailed all the first half, however compelled 5 turnovers after the break to show issues round. The varsity scored 38 unanswered second half factors, taking full management of the competition on two consecutive interceptions returned for touchdowns.
“We got here out with a number of vitality within the second half,” Cedar Valley head coach Weston Zabriskie stated. “The protection performed lights out within the second half. Turnovers are big. … Turnovers make a giant distinction and we have been capable of get rather a lot tonight.”
Between the offense and protection, Cedar Valley had 5 completely different gamers rating touchdowns on the evening. Senior Taygen Hansen discovered the top zone on either side of the ball for the Aviators. The 2-way participant’s first landing got here within the third quarter on offense, giving his crew its first lead of the sport. Hansen’s second rating got here within the fourth quarter on a pick-six that pushed Cedar Valley’s result in 31.
“I simply love to do my job on either side of the ball,” Hansen stated. “After I get these massive performs, I attempt to make one of the best of these alternatives.”
Hansen made probably the most of his alternatives Friday night, incomes reward from his coach.
“Taygen’s performed nice all yr,” Zabriskie stated. “Taygen is a child that folks want to take a look at for an actual specialist sort of (participant).”
The Aviators trailed by a landing going into the half after struggling to cease the Viewmont offense. The Vikings scored on three of their first 4 drives, forcing their hosts to play catch up via the primary two quarters.
Issues have been a lot completely different within the second half, as Viewmont’s first 5 possessions resulted in three turnovers and two punts. Cedar Valley, nonetheless, scored on its first 4 possessions following the break.
The Aviators stole a possession from their guests with an onside kick close to the top of the third quarter, all however taking the sport on the identical time. From there, it was all Cedar Valley because the Aviators cruised to victory.
Viewmont’s loss spells an finish to the season for the varsity and retains the Vikings from successful their first state match contest since 2018. The varsity finishes the yr with a 4-6 document and a 3rd straight defeat.
With the win, Cedar Valley picked up its eighth victory in what has been its finest document thus far. The varsity concluded its fourth common season with a second place end in Area 7, behind undefeated Stansbury. The Aviators lone loss in area play got here in opposition to the Stallions.
Subsequent Friday the varsity will get one other shot on the Area 7 champs within the second spherical of the state match. The Aviators have by no means made it previous the second spherical of postseason play, however stay optimistic heading into their contest in opposition to Stansbury.
“Hopefully the children come out with vitality,” Zabriskie stated. “We’ve been taking part in very well the final couple weeks and hopefully they stick with it.”
The Aviators second spherical bout with the Stallions is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.