It’s most likely not usually a coach could be enthusiastic about his protection outscoring his offense in a playoff sport. Nevertheless, if that protection is scoring three touchdowns by itself, that’s one thing any coach could be ecstatic about.
Layton compelled seven turnovers, together with three interceptions it returned for touchdowns within the second because the No. 16 seed Lancers pulled away from No. 17 seed Herriman for the 36-14 victory within the 6A first spherical on Friday evening.
Jaxson Henderson, Elias Parkinson and Teague Farr all scored their defensive touchdowns after halftime as Layton busted out within the second half after main solely 8-7 on the half.
“Our offense must perform a little bit higher, however our protection stepped up for us. We put it on the protection proper from the start saying they’re going to win the sport for us tonight they usually actually did step up,” stated Layton coach Fotu Katoa.
With the win, Layton now turns its consideration to No. 1 Nook Canyon within the 6A second spherical subsequent week, a sport Katoa stated this system is happy about.
“It's an honor to play them. That’s the No. 1 workforce, that’s the workforce that’s been nationally ranked, simply to be on the identical subject with them, we’re honored to play them,” stated Katoa.
Layton’s offense might want to end off drives a lot better than it did towards Herriman. It drove the ball into the purple zone on 4 totally different events within the first half, however solely got here away with factors as soon as. Twice it missed subject targets, with unfavourable performs backing the sphere targets makes an attempt to 47 and 39 yards, after which one other drive stalled on fourth and brief after a Herriman turnover.
It appeared like all these miscues would possibly show pricey as Herriman’s offense marched rapidly to open the third quarter because it was poised to take its first lead of the sport. Its offense discovered a rhythm late within the first half, and simply three performs into the third quarter the Mustangs moved the ball to Layton’s 20-yard line.
The momentum ended rapidly as Layton’s cross rush compelled Herriman quarterback Freddy Ta’ai into a fast throw, with Jaxson Henderson stepping in entrance of the receiver and returning the interception 80 yards for the 15-7 lead.
Herriman turned the ball over once more on its subsequent possession after which punted the possessions after, however every time the Mustangs protection received a cease to maintain it a one-score sport and provides the guests hope.
Herriman’s fourth turnover of the sport proved an excessive amount of to beat. Late within the third quarter Layton recovered an incomplete lateral cross by Herriman, and it took benefit of the brief subject, scoring a couple of minutes later because the second TD cross of the sport from Tyler Wensel to Elias Parkinson pushed the result in 22-7.
Down two scores, Herriman hand no alternative however to step out of its offensive consolation zone and that led to a few extra interceptions, together with Parkinson’s 92-yard pick-six and than a 25-yard pick-six by Farr.
“Elias Parkinson is certainly a subsequent degree participant, that child has a lot expertise. He can do something for us, we are able to go to him for something, protection and offense,” stated Katoa.
Previous to Friday, the Lancers had scored two defensive touchdowns all yr, nevertheless it had a subject day within the playoff opener to march into the following spherical.