The Rams came up short against the Alta Hawks in the intense quarter finals yesterday afternoon. The Rams stayed glued to Alta’s tail and gave them no room to relax. However, what kept Highland from their possible comeback and moving on in the tournament turned out to be one single yard.

Alta came out and scored in the first two minutes of the first quarter. Highland wasn’t going to let them hold that high lead, and came back five minutes later with a touchdown from senior Lilo Clark. Alta scored again shortly after, then intercepted Highland’s pass just a minute later. Alta made a field goal and ended the first quarter 17-7.

Alta scored again at the ten minute mark of the second quarter but missed the extra point, putting the score at 23-7. Finally, Highland kicked it in gear with a breakaway from junior Treyton Keyes just a minute after. Alta scored twice at the end of the quarter, and with a field goal at the end from Highland, the first half of the game ended 37-20 for the Hawks.

The Rams came back after halftime ready for a fight, and Clark played a big role in putting points on the board for the Rams. Five minutes into the second half, Clark scored again, bringing the score to 37-27. The next couple minutes consisted of back and fourth scoring from Alta, then Clark, then Alta again, ending the third quarter 51-34 for the Hawks.

Halfway through the final quarter, senior James Pembroke scores bringing the score to 51-41. Alta fumbled the ball and Highland recovered at the 30 yard line with four minutes left. Clark scored at the two minute mark, putting the score at 51-48.

With so little time remaining, the Rams decided it was time for an onside kick. The Rams lined up for an onside kick, and Cameron Keyvani lightly tapped the ball so that it would bounce for Pembroke to recover on the sideline. Pembroke needed to be 10 yards past where the kick was taken, and while he was just that far, the officials claimed he had touched the ball just one yard early of the correct distance when he jumped for it.

The Hawks were given the ball, and scored again for a final score of 58-48, and that was the end of the season for the Rams.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this team,” Clark said. “We left no regrets on the field.”

After the game, the heartbroken teammates were thanking and celebrating their team, and what they had accomplished together.

“We have a mentality that these are our brothers and we will always be there for each other, and that is what this program is all about,” Clark said. “While other teams focus on wins and loses, I feel like we focus on anything but that. Not many understand how hard we work and how much it pays off. It’s sad football season has come to an end, but I am so happy for all of the memories we have together.”

Next year’s team is determined to come out just as strong and successful as this year’s.

“Throughout my three years here playing football, I’ve never felt a stronger bond between all my teammates and coaches as I did this year,” Junior Elijah Shelton said. “It’s been a privilege playing for Brody Benson and his staff, and I can’t wait to see what next year brings.”