OREM, Utah — The quest for a fourth straight championship for the Orem High School football team started off strong on Friday night as the Tigers routed rival Mountain View 51-14 in their season opening game.
Orem quarterback Micha Fe’a threw four touchdowns to three different Tiger receivers. Tauhi Tupola and Joe Smith combined for five touchdowns in the blowout win.
Mountain View turnovers and miscues early in the first half proved costly. Orem was able to capitalize off great field position and jumped out to a 28-0 lead that they would never lose.
It took the Bruin offense until midway through the second quarter to find any sort of rhythm. Thanks to multiple Orem penalties, Mountain View was able to put together their longest drive of the game that ended with quarterback Kaden Kunz running it in from the one. This touchdown run from Kunz was the first score for the Bruins in this rivalry since 2015.
On the ensuing drive, Mountain View safety Aaron Hyatt picked off Fe’a and returned the ball to the Orem 25-yard line, setting up the Bruin offense for a great opportunity at a quick score. However, after taking back-to-back sacks, Mountain View was unable score on fourth-and-goal from 26 yards out and gave the ball back to the Tigers.
After another Orem touchdown drive, the Bruins got on the board again when Kunz found receiver David Hair for a tremendous catch in the back corner of the endzone on the last play of the half. Orem led 35-14 at the break.
In the third quarter, the Tigers scored 16 unanswered points to push their lead to 37. Both teams were unable to score in the fourth quarter as Orem sealed the victory.
Mountain View starters McKay Strauss, Tanner Mullen and Colton Burr all exited the game early with injuries.
Next week, Orem hosts powerhouse East in their home opener and Mountain View will travel up the road to take on crosstown rival Timpanogos.
Final Score:
Orem 51
Mountain View 14