The Roy (UT) varsity football team will face Bountiful (UT) in a neutral-site playoff game today at 11 a.m.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: Utah High School Football
Who: Roy (UT) vs Bountiful (UT)
When: Today, November 21, 2024
Time: 11:00. a.m. ET
“2024 UHSAA – Football State Championships – 5A Football Championship”
Live stream: Watch on NFHS Network

Bountiful vs. Roy: A Rivalry in High School Football

As the 2024 football season progresses, two of Utah’s top high school teams—Bountiful and Roy—are proving to be dominant forces in the state. Both teams have had exceptional seasons, with identical overall records of 12-1. Yet, as they head into their neutral-site playoff showdown, the details of their performances make it clear: each team brings its own unique strengths and challenges to the field.

Team Records and Performance

Both Bountiful and Roy boast a .923 win percentage, dominating their respective regions with near-perfect records. Bountiful has been particularly strong at home, finishing their regular season with an 8-0 home record, while Roy excelled on the road, winning 5 of their 5 away games. The teams have similarly high-scoring offenses, with Bountiful averaging 34.8 points per game and Roy putting up 41.4 points per game, showcasing their offensive prowess.

Both teams share a near-identical success in the region as well, with each going 6-1 against regional opponents. Bountiful’s only loss came at the hands of Viewmont, while Roy remained perfect in region play. Despite their region success, both teams have shown their ability to dominate opponents from across the state.

Head-to-Head: Bountiful Comes Out on Top

The last time these two teams met was in early October, where Bountiful defeated Roy 42-35 in a thrilling game. In that contest, Bountiful’s offense capitalized on key moments, including a strong second half, while Roy’s attack faltered in the final two quarters, failing to match Bountiful’s late surge. It was a game where Bountiful’s explosive offense—especially in the second quarter—set the tone, outscoring Roy 21-14 in the second period alone.

The game was closely contested, with both teams showing their ability to put up points quickly. In fact, both squads averaged over 400 total yards per game, with Roy posting 408 yards per game and Bountiful close behind with 395.2 yards per contest. The difference, however, came down to Bountiful’s ability to close out games, particularly in the final quarter where they scored 14 points to pull away.

Key Players

Bountiful’s success has largely been driven by the strong play of running back Siaki Fekitoa, who leads the team with an average of 138.8 rushing yards per game. Additionally, quarterback Emerson Geilman has been solid, throwing for 180.8 passing yards per game. On the defensive side, Dawson Allsop leads the charge with 7.9 tackles per game, helping the team hold opponents to an average of 229 points.

Roy, on the other hand, has leaned on quarterback Dru Gardner, who has racked up 186.9 passing yards per game, and running back Logan Cella, who has rushed for 98.4 yards per game. The defensive side of the ball features linebacker Carsten Engberg, who has been a key contributor with his solid play, and the team’s leading tackler, Robert Young, who is contributing 16.3 tackles per game.

Common Opponents and Strengths

Looking at common opponents provides further insight into the strength of both teams. Both Bountiful and Roy squared off against teams like Farmington, Bonneville, Viewmont, and Woods Cross, where both teams managed strong victories. However, Bountiful had a tougher time against Viewmont, losing 33-27 early in the season. Meanwhile, Roy, despite a slightly tougher schedule, maintained a perfect record against all their common opponents, including a notable 42-28 win over Viewmont.

As the playoffs begin, these common matchups demonstrate that both teams are battle-tested and ready for the challenges ahead. Bountiful’s defensive ability, which held opponents to just 229 points this season, will be put to the test against Roy’s high-flying offense, which has scored over 500 points this season.

The Road Ahead

With both teams showing nearly identical statistical performances, the upcoming playoff game is expected to be an epic showdown. Bountiful has demonstrated strong performances both at home and on the road, while Roy’s dominance, especially in away games, will challenge Bountiful’s ability to close out games. Ultimately, the game will come down to which team can execute their game plan and capitalize on key moments.

If history is any guide, Bountiful’s offensive efficiency and defense in the final quarter may give them the edge in this neutral-site contest. However, Roy’s explosive scoring offense and ability to win on the road should keep the game competitive until the final whistle.

The rivalry between these two teams is set to continue, and one thing is clear: the best of Utah’s high school football will be on display when Bountiful and Roy meet in what promises to be a thrilling playoff matchup.