by Jeff Raisor

Contributing Writer

The Richfield High School football team is headed to the 3A State championship game for the second year in a row after their dominating performance at the semi final game on Friday November 8. 

The scene was a chilly 7:45 p.m. kick off at Zions Bank Field nestled next to the mountainside in Herriman as #2 Richfield at 11-0 clashed with #3 Grantsville at 9-2. This semi final game would decide who would punch their ticket to the finals on November 16.

During the regular season, Grantsville had impressed as they handed San Juan High School their first loss in the last three seasons. The Cowboys only losses came to defending 1A State champs Beaver High School, and the #1 3A North Region champs, Morgan High School. 

Richfield came in as the 3A Southern Region champs and undefeated in their last 24 games. This was touted as a powerhouse offensive battle with the season on the line. 

Well, Richfield did just that. Their offense put on a clinic as they scored in double digits in each of the four quarters. Their offense dominated as well as their defense and special teams. They scored 14 points in the first quarter and another 10 in the second off of explosive rushing and receiving plays from the usual Gage Yardley and Griffin Wayman combo as well as a 

field goal from Justin Raisor. 

The second half was more of the same with the defense simply taking over as Gage Yardley scored two defensive touchdowns as well as Hayden Reed, Slate Reitz, and Griffin Wayman adding to the scoring goals as well. Kicker Justin Raisor wracked up 9 points in the lopsided 59-16 victory as he now holds the single season point after touchdown (PAT) school record that his older brother Tyson Raisor set just last year. 

This game was Richfield’s largest single game point total of the season, exceeding their regular game average of 42 points scored. 

The Wildcats will head to Southern Utah University to play as the #2 seed against #1 seed and also undefeated this season, Morgan High School. The winner will be crowned the 3A State football champions. The battle of two undefeated teams in a championship game in Utah high school football is a rarity and is projected to be a battle from the opening whistle as these two offensive powerhouses collide. 

The game will start at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday November 16 and can be watched in person, listened to on local radio, and streamed live online.