In a high school football matchup on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the Morgan Trojans faced off against the Bountiful Redhawks, emerging victorious with a decisive 37-14 win. This marked Morgan's fourth consecutive game against a higher-classification opponent, and they delivered one of their most impressive performances of the preseason.
The game took a pivotal turn in the second quarter, as Morgan's defense asserted its dominance, forcing three turnovers and effectively stifling Bountiful's offense. Coach Jared Barlow expressed his team's excitement to compete against a respected program like Bountiful, acknowledging the challenge it presented. "We knew it was going to be a battle, so we just tried to prepare ourselves mentally for a tough fight," he said.
Following a tough opening loss to Ridgeline, Morgan has rebounded impressively, securing victories against Sky View, Park City, and now Bountiful. In this latest contest, quarterback Owen Gilson played a crucial role, throwing two touchdown passes to Owen Belliston, while George Thurston, Rhett Larsen, and Miles Syndenham contributed with rushing touchdowns.
Morgan's defensive strategy was particularly effective, as they managed to force three turnovers against Bountiful's backup quarterback after starter Huddy Malmrose exited the game due to a shoulder injury. Malmrose had initially led his team on a scoring drive, connecting with Easton Lowe for a 10-yard touchdown pass, but his departure significantly impacted Bountiful's offensive capabilities.
After Malmrose's injury, Bountiful struggled to regain momentum, utilizing multiple quarterbacks and even a wildcat formation in an effort to spark their offense. While sophomore Cruz Carroll showed some promise in the second half, the damage had already been done, and Morgan's defense continued to capitalize on the Redhawks' struggles.
Two plays after Malmrose's exit, Morgan's Bridge Schiffman intercepted a pass, setting up the Trojans with excellent field position. This turnover led to a touchdown by Rhett Larsen, tying the game at 7-7. Morgan then took control, scoring again on a 9-yard run by Thurston, and later extending their lead to 21-7 with another touchdown pass from Gilson to Belliston.
Coach Barlow highlighted the importance of defensive momentum in shifting the game's dynamics, stating, "Any time you can change the momentum defensively and get our offense back on the field, that’s always a good thing." The Trojans opened the second half with a field goal, pushing their lead to 24-7, but Bountiful managed to respond with a touchdown pass from Carroll to Lowe, narrowing the gap to 24-14.
However, Morgan quickly answered back with a methodical nine-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in a touchdown that sealed the victory. With one more preseason game scheduled against Faith Lutheran in Nevada before entering region play, Coach Barlow believes that the lessons learned from their earlier loss are invaluable. "It shows us early what we need to do, kind of our deficiencies," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of playing with heart and physicality.
The Trojans' performance against Bountiful not only showcased their defensive prowess but also highlighted their ability to adapt and overcome challenges, setting a positive tone as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
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