Olympus football eyeing second-straight region crown
Sep 23, 2019 11:47AM ● By Josh Mc Fadden
Quarterback Frankie Goodson sprints down the sideline against Kearns. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Whitehead.)
By Josh McFadden
Despite some key losses on both sides of the ball, the Olympus football team hasn’t lost its stranglehold on Region 6.
Heading into the week of Sept. 23, the Titans were a perfect 3-0 in league play, outscoring league foes 99-33, an average of 33-11 a game. This season hasn’t been quite the statistical domination as 2018, but the 5-1 Titans once again look like a contender in Class 5A. The only blemish on Olympus’ record was a 26-21 loss at Class 6A’s Kearns on Aug. 30. Take away that game, and the Titans outscored the other five opponents 199-33.
On Sept. 20, Olympus met Highland, the only region team to give Olympus a close game a year ago (a 13-12 for the Titans). This time around, Olympus had some more breathing room, scoring a 24-6 victory at home. The Titans jumped out to a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter and were never threatened. Chase Hopkins scored all three of Olympus’ touchdowns on runs of 22, 3 and 1 yard. Alexis Rojas also connected on a 24-yard field goal in the third quarter.
Olympus also routed Murray 42-7 in the region opener Sept. 6 and then got past Brighton 33-20 on Sept. 13.
Similar to last season, the Olympus offense has been potent, led by a well-rounded running game. Senior Scotty Edwards has led the charge. The do-it-all star had eight receptions for 239 yards and four touchdowns through the first six games. He also churned out 334 yards and six TDs on 44 carries and even completed a 65-yard touchdown pass on a trick play earlier this season in the loss to Kearns.
Hopkins has led the team in rushing. The six-foot senior had 554 yards and eight touchdowns through six games. He caused fits for Brighton in the team’s win, rambling for 220 yards and a pair of scores.
Through the air, Olympus has relied on senior Frankie Goodson. The quarterback had 414 yards and nine touchdowns heading into the team’s Sept. 27 game at West Jordan. Along with Edwards, his favorite target has been Matt Ward, who had six grabs for 62 yards and a TD through six contests.
The Titans had a devastating defense a year ago. This season’s unit has made its mark as well. Emerson Conlon had had 34 tackles and three sacks, while Edwards, Ryan Thomas and Nate Condon each have two interceptions. James Sheets is the team’s leader in tackles with 37.
Olympus’ final three region games are at home against Hillcrest (Oct. 4), at Cottonwood (Oct. 10) and at Skyline (Oct. 16).
