The Timberjacks Gave Their All in the Final Game

The Timberjacks only suited up nine players and three freshmen played both ways against Loyalton. "But it was a tremendous effort as the game was close for most of the night,” said Coach Mike Miller.  

Hayfork got off to a slow start as Loyalton scored twice on their first two drives to take a 14-0 lead into the second quarter. The Timberjacks dominated the second quarter in every aspect except for the scoreboard. Loyalton punted three times in the quarter, while Hayfork had two separate 60-yard drives that stalled inside the Loyalton 20-yard line. On one of the possessions, the Timberjacks were 2nd and goal from the Loyalton one-yard line, and could not get the ball in the end zone on three straight plays.

In the third quarter, Hayfork again drove the ball the length of the field and this time they scored on a 3-yard TD run by Levi Cavalli, and Cavalli also added the two-point conversion and the score was 14-8. Loyalton came right back and scored on a 1-yard TD run to stretch the lead back to 20-8.  

After a 40 yard kickoff return by Evan Pickett, Matt Sampson scored on a 1-yard TD run to make the score 20-14. Loyalton finished out a wild third quarter with a 70-yard TD run to take a 26-14 lead.

Hayfork came right back in the 4th quarter as Cavalli completed a 14-yard TD pass to Pickett to tighten the score to 26-20. Hayfork's defense stopped Loyalton on its next possession, and Hayfork got the ball with 7 minutes left at its own 5-yard line. 

The Timberjacks picked up a couple of first downs and then the drive stalled. Hayfork went for it on 4th and 5 from its own 25, but came up a yard short. Loyalton scored with less than two minutes left in the game to bring the final score to 32-20.

Cavalli had an excellent game as quarterback. He carried the ball 38 times for 168 yards and one touchdown. He also had one TD pass. Anthony Bonelli carried the ball 10 times for 73 yards, and Kaden Lee had 14 carries for 77 yards. Sampson led the Hayfork defense with 10 tackles (7 solo) while Kaden Lee had 9 tackles (7 solo) and Trenton Haight also had 9 tackles (4 solo). Bonelli and Pickett each had a forced fumble.  

“It was a rough three weeks for our football program after playing the largest and most experienced schools in our division,” said Coach Miller. “Loyalton also was a tough team with about 22 players on their roster. We only suited up 9 players and they gave it everything they had. I have coached for 30 years, and it was one of the best efforts I have ever seen. I am extremely proud of this group, and we will have a good group coming back next season.”

Hayfork finished the year 4-5 (1-4 in league).

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