They ‘outplayed us.’ Defending state champion Rigby cruises to playoff win over Eagle
Despite the devastating loss, there wasn’t any finger pointing among Eagle High football players.
As players passed each other going in and out of the locker room, they exchanged hugs and pats on the back, knowing it was the final game for the Mustangs’ seniors.
Eagle’s season came to an end Friday night after a 37-6 loss to Rigby in the 5A state quarterfinals at Eagle High. Rigby advances to the state semifinals, where it will face second-ranked Rocky Mountain at 7 p.m. next Friday.
“I’m impressed with our kids, our seniors, our resolve,” Eagle coach John Hartz said. “We started off the year 1-2. Of course, we lost to Meridian and Rocky, and a lot of people, I could tell, just started to count us out a little bit. And then we rolled off five straight in district.”
But the Mustangs ran out of gas against the defending state champions, as two special teams plays turned the tide early for the Trojans.
Eagle’s first drive ended with a bad snap on a punt, resulting in a turnover on downs at the Eagle 42-yard line. Four plays later, the Trojans were in the end zone courtesy of a 1-yard run by senior running back Sam Gamino. Gamino was one of seven Trojans to record a carry, tallying 48 yards on seven touches.
Eagle’s next possession ended with a blocked field goal attempt that set up Rigby’s second touchdown of the game. This time the Trojans took to the air, scoring on a 12-yard pass from junior quarterback Luke Flowers to junior receiver Kade Steffler for a 14-0 lead with 2:38 remaining in the second quarter.
“That missed field goal early could have gave us a little bit of momentum,” Hartz said. “It just felt like the last few games we’ve been playing from behind so much. We’re a much better team, because we’re so run-oriented, to be playing with the lead than without the lead. So when they took the lead, playing catch-up was tough for us.”
Flowers went 17-for-25 passing for 254 yards and four touchdowns without an interception. Three of his TD passes went to senior wide receiver Brady Packer, the last of which gave the Trojans a commanding 34-6 lead with 8:23 to play. Packer led all receivers with seven catches for 175 yards.
Eagle scored its lone touchdown in the third quarter when senior receiver Ian Duarte fought through double coverage in the end zone to grab a 28-yard pass from backup quarterback Brett Liljedahl, who traded off with starting quarterback Jake Longson throughout the second half.
Duarte proved to be the Mustangs’ top threat, racking up 100 yards receiving on six catches.
“I just think Rigby outplayed us in almost every facet tonight,” Hartz said. “I think they’re really well coached. I think it’s a good team.”
This story was originally published November 5, 2022 at 12:14 AM.
