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It has been a long time since Clearfield players woke up on a Saturday morning having won the previous night, but after 735 days, the Falcons broke a 20-game losing streak — which was the third-longest active streak in the state — with a dramatic 35-34 overtime win against Cottonwood.
"Oh, it was so nice," said Falcons junior quarterback Jaxon Mansfield. "All the hard work finally paid off. It's been a long year. We've been working hard. We've been in most of the games we've played in, so it's been much better year than last year and the years past. It's a relief to get into the winning column."
The Falcons reeled off 14 points in the fourth quarter to force overtime, but in reality, it should have never happened.
Cottonwood was in possession with an opportunity to drain the clock to its expiration with a seven-point lead, with "like 50 seconds left." Instead the Colts called several running plays, instead of simply taking a knee, and on third down one player ran out of bounds to stop time.
Then Cottonwood inexplicably went for it on fourth-and-5 from its own 20-yard line. It didn't work, and Clearfield proceeded to force overtime moments later.
"We started taking advantage of their mistakes," Mansfield said. "They decided to go for it instead of punt it away. I had no idea what they were doing."
The Falcons scored first in the extra time and finally earned the right to celebrate in the post-game lockers when Cottonwood missed its extra-point try following an equalizing touchdown.
"It was incredible. The feeling was indescribable," Mansfield said. "To finally get that first win, it was a great feeling."
Unfamiliar territory
Corner Canyon handed Timpview its second loss in Region 7 play on Friday. It's the first time since 1998 the Thunderbirds have lost two league games on the field. Disclaimer: Timpview was sanctioned in 2012, so it technically finished 5-2 in region, but on the field, the Thunderbirds posted an overall record of 97-4 (95-6 with stripped wins) in league play from 1999-2015. Right now, Timpview (6-2, 3-2) is the fourth seed from Region 7 behind Alta (8-0, 5-0), Skyridge (6-2, 4-1) and Corner Canyon (5-3, 3-2), with two games remaining against Mountain View (0-8, 0-5) and the Falcons.
Tolutau decision
East's former record-setting running back, Ula Tolutau, who signed with Wisconsin as a three-star prospect following his senior season in 2013, will not play for the Badgers, The Tribune learned. Tolutau is considering in-state programs BYU and Utah, as well as Oregon State, which is coached by Gary Andersen, who was at Wisconsin when Tolutau decided to commit there. Known for his rare combination of size and speed, Tolutau rushed for 2,465 yards, with 13 games of at least 100 yards, in 2013 as a fullback for the Leopards.
Judgment week
There are three massive games on slate in Week 9, with two on Thursday. Bingham (8-0, 4-0) hosts Jordan (6-1, 4-0) in a game featuring two programs undefeated in Region 3 play. The Miners have won six straight in the series with the Beetdiggers, and have won 10 of 11.
Springville (8-0, 5-0) has won 19 consecutive regular-season games. The Red Devils' last loss outside the postseason was Oct. 10, 2014 against Salem Hills. Well, the SkyHawks (6-2, 4-0) have an opportunity to end the streak at home on Thursday and take control of Region 8.
Finally, on Friday, fans will be treated to arguably the best rivalry in the state of Utah. East (8-0, 3-0) hits the road to take on Highland (6-1, 3-0), with the winner claiming sole custody of first place in Region 5. The Leopards are 4-2 against the Rams since 2010, when Brandon Matich arrived in Salt Lake, but Matich has never won at Highland. In 2012, East won on the road, but Matich was serving a suspension and was not on the sideline.
Twitter: @trevorphibbs