Football Recap: Cedar Continues Home Dominance on Friday

Cedar had won four straight at home dating back to last season, but on Friday they bumped up to 5-0 to make it five. They were the clear victors by a 51-27 margin over the Manti Templars. The result was nothing new for the Reds, who have now won three games by 24 points or more so far this season.

Everett Kelling

Rushing Yards (Career)

09/12/25 vs Manti	176
09/05/25 @ Logan	128
09/06/24 @ Crimson Cliffs	54
10/04/24 vs Dixie	33
08/29/25 @ Dixie	29

Everett Kelling produced another solid effort rushing for 176 yards and three touchdowns on only ten carries, while also throwing for 205 yards and three TDs. Those 176 rushing yards gave him a new career-high. Another player making a difference was Braxton Demille, who gained 232 total yards and a touchdown.

They were just one part of a punishing run game: Cedar was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 371 rushing yards. That's the most rushing yards they've managed all season.

On the other side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Cedar's defense and their four sacks. The team can thank two different players for their defensive prowess: Dominic McGarvey and Rhake Marsh, who each picked up 1.5 sacks apiece.

As for Manti, the defeat snapped their winning streak at three games and leaves them with a 3-2 record. For those keeping track at home, that's the biggest loss they have suffered since October 4, 2024.

When it comes to explaining why Manti lost, don't look at Tala Taulapapa. Despite the final result, he rushed for 110 yards and four scores on only 12 carries. The team also got some help courtesy of Carter Mason, who threw for 273 yards on 18 of 33 attempts.

We've got plenty of inter-region action coming up soon. Cedar is set to face off against their familiar foe North Sanpete at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Meanwhile, Manti will square off against rival Richfield at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. That matchup will pit two of the most dominant backs against one another: Taulapapa and Colton White.