Game Details - Football

Four-time defending state champion San Juan is once again knocking on the championship door, but Summit Academy stands as the final obstacle between the Broncos and another title game appearance. The top-seeded Broncos (9-2) and fourth-seeded Bears (6-5) will clash Saturday at 10 a.m. at Southern Utah University, with the winner advancing to face either South Summit or South Sevier in the 2A championship game. When these teams met on Sept. 5, San Juan pulled away for a 50-29 victory, though Summit Academy remained competitive early, trailing just 16-9 at halftime before the Broncos erupted in the second half. The semifinal matchup features one of Utah's most prolific offensive players in San Juan's Jagger Nieves, who is approaching rarefied air in the state record books. The senior running back has accumulated 1,910 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns this season, putting him just three scores shy of tying the single-season state record of 38, jointly held by Grantsville's Alan Mouritsen (1997) and East's Jaylen Warren (2016). San Juan's quarterfinal performance showcased their championship pedigree in a staggering 77-2 dismantling of Judge Memorial. The Broncos raced to a 39-0 first-quarter lead and never looked back. Nieves was unstoppable with four touchdowns — two rushing and two receiving from quarterback Beau Yeomans, who orchestrates an offense averaging 54.5 points per game. The Broncos' defense proved equally formidable against Judge Memorial, with Jonas Jeppesen and George McNaughtan both returning fumbles for touchdowns while Max Stearns added a 20-yard interception return. Summit Academy enters the semifinal with momentum after a convincing 48-14 quarterfinal victory over Emery. After a scoreless first half, the Bears exploded for 28 third-quarter points, with Liam Larson leading the charge. The junior running back scored three touchdowns in the second half, including an impressive 80-yard burst in the third quarter. The Bears' offensive resurgence coincided with quarterback Preston Mackowiak finding his rhythm. The senior has thrown for 1,813 yards and 20 touchdowns this season, with Beckham Meredith (803 receiving yards, 8 TDs) serving as his primary target. Meredith showcased his playmaking ability against Emery with a 37-yard touchdown reception and a 42-yard punt return score. Defensively, Summit Academy will rely on linebacker Ian Hall (54 tackles) and defensive end Tug Wilbur, whose 14 sacks match the total of San Juan's McNaughtan. If Summit Academy hopes to dethrone the defending champions, they'll need to contain a San Juan offense that has scored at least 46 points in eight of their nine victories. The Broncos' only losses came against Beaver (33-30) and Manti (38-28). The winner advances to face either No. 3 South Summit (7-4) or No. 2 South Sevier (10-1) in the championship game at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 4 p.m.