The Warriors battled the Spartans (1-1) last Saturday in a huge game with playoff implications. As the UTFL's oldest operating team, and since recently merging with the Orem Outlaws, the Spartans boast a team full of veteran players. That, coupled with the poor field conditions due to the rain, meant anything was possible. The Warriors received the opening kickoff and struck first with a quick strike from QB Jeff Wissler to former-Spartan Brady Young. After a 2-point conversion, the Warriors had the early 8 to 0 lead. But the Spartans answered back with a score of their own. The Warriors scored again on their next drive as RB Zach Geurts ran one in. Again the Spartans answered with a score of their own. With the ball back in their hands, the Warriors once again went deep to Brady Young, who showed great concentration and caught a tipped ball and walked in for the score, putting the score at 22 to 14. On the Spartans' next possession, LB Don Johnson stood up the running back, allowing DE Ray Tumanuvao to come from behind to strip the ball and fall on it for the turnover. The Warriors took advantage and went up top to Ladale Jackson for another long td. After an IK Ubani run for the conversion, the Warriors finally had some breathing room as the score stood at 30 to 14. The defense forced a turnover-on-downs on the Spartans next possession, allowing Geurts to run in his second td of the day to push the lead to 36 to 14 going into the half.
The second half began with the Spartans taking the ball. After a few plays, CB Ladale Jackson nearly had an interception with loads of open field in front of him, but just couldn't come down with it. Jackson was quickly given another chance and, on the very next play, picked off the pass to give the Warriors the ball. Wissler then went 5 for 5 on the next series, hitting 4 different receivers, capping off the drive with a quick score to WR Scott Bryson. RB Geurts then pulled off the reverse pass and hit WR Travis Anderson for the conversion putting the Warriors up by 28. The Spartans showed their experience however and didn't let the large lead discourage them. They drove down the field on their next possession and punched the ball in for the score, putting the score at 42-22. The Spartans then stepped up and forced a quick turnover-on-downs from the Warriors to get the ball back. The Warriors defense was done playing nice and S Taylor Van Dongen intercepted the ball and the Warriors were able to take the knee for the win.
This week's gameball goes to the pair of receivers Brady Young and Ladale Jackson. Together they combined for 5 receptions, 170 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Young also contributed on special teams as he showed off his booming leg, kicking 4 touchbacks. Jackson contributed on the defensive side as he added a solo tackle, an assisted tackle, a pass break-up, and an interception. Next week, the Warriors (3-0) battle the new kids on the block, the Ogden Knights (0-2) at 11 a.m.
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