The Ridgeline varsity football team from Millville, UT, will face Spanish Fork in a neutral playoff game on Thursday, November 14, at 6 p.m. This matchup is part of the 2024 UHSAA Football State Championships for the 4A division.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Football Playoffs
Who: Ridgeline vs Spanish Fork
When: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Bracket: 2024 UHSAA – Football State Championships – 4A Football Championship
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Game preview: Ridgeline vs Spanish Fork

As the 2024 high school football season unfolds, fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between two of Utah’s powerhouse teams: Spanish Fork and Ridgeline. With impressive records and standout performances across the board, this matchup promises to be a highlight of the year.

Team Overview and Season Records

Spanish Fork Dons (10-2, 5-1 in Region Play) Ranked 20th in Utah’s Class 2 division, Spanish Fork has enjoyed a stellar season, boasting an .833 overall and region winning percentage. The Dons have outscored their opponents 518-298, demonstrating their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Their home record of 6-1 shows that they are a formidable force on their own turf, but their 4-1 away record proves their ability to compete anywhere.

Ridgeline Riverhawks (12-0, 6-0 in Region Play) Ridgeline has been nothing short of dominant this season. Ranked 7th in Utah’s Class 1 division, the undefeated Riverhawks have an impressive 1.000 winning percentage both overall and in region play. They’ve scored 517 points while conceding just 125, showcasing a balanced and suffocating defense. Ridgeline is perfect at home (7-0) and away (5-0), making them a well-rounded and consistent squad.

Scoring Averages and Key Stats

Both teams have proven to be high-scoring, averaging over 40 points per game. Spanish Fork edges slightly ahead with 41.7 points per game compared to Ridgeline’s 40.7. However, Ridgeline has relied heavily on their defense, which has consistently kept opponents at bay.

Quarter-by-Quarter Scoring Breakdown:

• Spanish Fork: Known for fast starts, they average 11.7 points in the first quarter, ramping up to 16.5 in the second. Their scoring slightly tapers off in the second half, with 7.6 points in the third quarter and 8.7 in the fourth.
• Ridgeline: The Riverhawks also start strong, averaging 13.4 points in the first quarter and 15.9 in the second. Their production slows in the second half, similar to Spanish Fork, with 6.2 points in the third quarter and 7.2 in the fourth.

Statistical Matchup: Offense vs. Defense

When it comes to offensive yardage, Spanish Fork has a significant edge, averaging 494.8 total yards per game compared to Ridgeline’s 436.8. The Dons excel in both the rushing game (254.7 yards per game) and passing game (240.1 yards per game). Ridgeline, however, balances a potent passing attack (245.4 yards per game) with a solid rushing game (191.3 yards per game).

On the defensive side, Ridgeline’s unit has been exceptional, averaging 67.9 tackles per game and 4.0 sacks per game, led by standout players like Krew Jones. Spanish Fork’s defense is slightly less aggressive, averaging 48.6 tackles and 1.1 sacks per game.

Key Players to Watch

Spanish Fork Dons:

• Kaden Vest (RB): The heart of Spanish Fork’s ground game, Vest averages 194.1 rushing yards per game and 16.2 points per game, making him a constant scoring threat.
• Mckay Smith (QB): Smith has been a prolific passer, averaging 232.7 yards per game. His total yardage of 238.8 makes him a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt defenses in multiple ways.
• Brock Jacobson (WR): Jacobson, with 102.6 receiving yards per game, is Smith’s favorite target and a critical component of the passing attack.

Ridgeline Riverhawks:

• Nate Dahle (QB): Dahle is the centerpiece of Ridgeline’s offense, averaging 237.5 passing yards per game and 261.2 total yards. His composure and playmaking ability have driven the Riverhawks’ success.
• Graham Livingston (WR): Livingston leads Ridgeline’s receiving corps with 126.3 yards per game, providing Dahle with a reliable deep threat.
• Landon Perkins (LB): The defensive leader for Ridgeline, Perkins averages 7.8 tackles per game, ensuring that opponents feel his presence on every snap.

Common Opponents

Both teams have convincingly defeated common opponents, highlighting their dominance:

• Sky View: Spanish Fork secured a 47-28 victory, while Ridgeline posted a commanding 56-13 win.
• West Field: Spanish Fork triumphed 49-20, and Ridgeline followed with a 45-7 rout.

What to Expect in the Showdown

This game will likely be a battle of Spanish Fork’s high-octane offense against Ridgeline’s staunch defense. Spanish Fork’s ability to generate nearly 500 yards per game will challenge Ridgeline’s well-coordinated defense, while Ridgeline’s efficient offense, led by Dahle, will look to exploit any gaps in Spanish Fork’s defensive scheme.

Turnovers and key defensive stops will be crucial, as both teams are more than capable of capitalizing on mistakes. Special teams may also play a decisive role, particularly in a game featuring two evenly matched squads.

Final Thoughts

As these two titans prepare to collide, fans can expect a game filled with strategic plays, standout athletic performances, and the kind of intensity that defines championship-level football. Whether Spanish Fork can break through Ridgeline’s airtight defense or the Riverhawks continue their undefeated streak remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this matchup will be one for the books.