Video: Braedon Wissler highlightsJunior running back was a big time playmaker this season for the Miners.
No. 9
Bingham (South Jordan) became the first national Top 10 team to win a state title Friday by knocking off
East (Salt Lake City) 27-14 for Utah's Class 6A championship.
The Miners (13-0) toppled East (11-3) for the second time this season after dominating the Aug. 25 matchup 48-17. Bingham is 66-5 over the past five seasons with four state titles.
Led by senior safety
Cole Moody and junior standouts
Saleka Ataata (LB),
Lolani Langi (LB),
David Latu (DL),
Simote Pepa (DL),
Junior Tafuna (LB), Bingham's defense was one of the nation's best this season. The Miners held 11 of 13 opponents to 14 points or fewer.
Langi, who already has seven FBS offers, broke East's back Friday by recovering a fumble and returning 47 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter. That made the Bingham lead 21-7.
On the other side of the ball, junior running back
Braedon Wissler was a difference-maker once again for Bingham, getting to the end zone twice on the ground in the first half and returning a kick 74 yards.
All three of East's losses this season came to nationally-ranked opponents. In addition to the setbacks against Bingham, the Leopards also fell in an October game against No. 2
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.).
Bingham running back Braedon Wissler breaks into the open.
Photos by Steve Carnahan
East safety Jaylon Vickers leaps to make an interception in front of Bingham receiver Brayden Cosper.
Bingham players and coaches celebrate winning the state championship by performing the Haka.
