Morgan and Richfield: A Clash of Perfect Records and Dominant Football Seasons

As the 2024 high school football season nears its climax, two standout teams in Utah, Morgan and Richfield, find themselves on a collision course. Both teams boast a flawless 12-0 record, dominating their respective regions with stellar performances. Here’s a breakdown of their journey so far, their strengths, and what sets them apart.

Season Overview

• Richfield Wildcats (12-0)
  Richfield has showcased consistency on both sides of the ball. Their ability to dominate in all phases of the game is evident in their perfect record. They’ve been particularly strong at home (6-0) and have allowed only 186 points over 12 games.
• Morgan Trojans (12-0)
  Morgan, the top-ranked team in Class 1, has been nothing short of spectacular, with a relentless offensive unit scoring 590 points this season. Their defense is equally formidable, holding opponents to a mere 81 points.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Offense

Morgan leads the scoring race with an average of 49.2 points per game, compared to Richfield’s 39.9 points per game. The Trojans excel in the first two quarters, averaging a combined 36.9 points in the first half alone. Richfield, while effective, scores more evenly across all quarters, reflecting their steady approach to games.

Defense

Morgan’s defense has been nearly impenetrable, giving up just 81 points all season. Richfield, while solid, has allowed 186 points, suggesting that their defense could face challenges against Morgan’s high-powered offense.

Total Yards Per Game

Both teams are nearly identical in offensive yardage, with Richfield averaging 399 yards per game and Morgan slightly ahead at 402.5 yards. The Wildcats rely more on the ground game, averaging 237.3 rushing yards, while Morgan leans on their aerial attack with 229 passing yards per game.

Key Players

• Richfield:
  • Gage Yardley (#5): Leading the rushing attack with 80.4 yards per game, Yardley’s consistency fuels Richfield’s balanced offense.
  • Griffin Wayman (#3): The quarterback drives the offense, contributing 161.7 total yards per game.
  • Jess Curtis (#24): A tackling machine, Curtis averages 7.5 tackles per game, anchoring the defense.
• Morgan:
  • Beck Sheffield (#7): The Trojans’ offensive catalyst, Sheffield averages 182.2 passing yards per game and 203 total yards per game.
  • Lincoln Gilson (#5): A dual-threat receiver and scorer, Gilson leads the team with 12.2 points per game and 80.6 receiving yards per game.
  • Nikolas Preece (#6): A defensive stalwart, Preece’s presence is crucial for Morgan’s strong defensive showings.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced and defeated Manti, Canyon View, Juan Diego Catholic, and Grantsville. Morgan has been more dominant, averaging 44 points against these common foes while allowing just 10.25 points per game. Richfield has averaged 40.75 points, conceding 15 points per game.

Strengths and X-Factors

• Richfield: Their strong rushing game and disciplined approach make them a tough team to break down. If they can control the clock and neutralize Morgan’s early scoring runs, they could pull off an upset.
• Morgan: The combination of a high-octane offense and a stifling defense makes Morgan the team to beat. Their ability to start fast and pressure opponents early often forces teams into mistakes.

What’s at Stake?

This matchup isn’t just about records—it’s about legacy. Morgan is on a mission to solidify their dominance in Class 1, while Richfield is out to prove they can beat the best. With both teams undefeated, this clash has all the makings of a championship-caliber game.

Whether it’s Richfield’s ground-and-pound style or Morgan’s explosive aerial attack, one thing is certain: when these two juggernauts meet, fans can expect a thrilling showdown.