Tulutau’s night for the Leopards started with a first quarter touchdown that gave the Leopards a seven point lead after their first drive of the night. During the seven-play drive, Tulutau rushed the ball six times for 74 yards, including a 53-yard scamper on the team’s first play from scrimmage. Tulutau scored on a 14-yard run for his only touchdown of the night.
East’s second drive also turned into a touchdown, with Preston Curtis running for a 69-yard touchdown run on just two plays. The quick two-play drive was preceded by a fourth down stop from the Leopards defense, who held Skyler Farnes and the Wildcats on the 31 yard line.
Woods Cross’ only response to the two scoring drives occurred before the first quarter ended, capping off a seven play drive with a touchdown in the waning minutes of the quarter. Farnes kept the drive going by completing three straight passes before Sean Barton was able to run down field for a 40-yard gain. Barton scored two plays later to cut the deficit to seven points by the end of the quarter.
The Wildcats had a pair of chances to convert missed East opportunities into points. The Leopards missed a 30-yard field goal attempt with 5:13 remaining in the half, then had a fumble recovered by Junior Vailolo near midfield in the closing minutes.
Woods Cross missed out on both opportunities, however, going three-and-out after the missed field goal then coming up short on a Hail Mary pass to end the half.
East’s next touchdown also occurred on just two plays and helped the Leopards take a 14-point lead with 5:25 remaining in the third quarter. After holding the Wildcats on fourth down, Tulutau took the first carry of the drive and scampered down field for a 57-yard gain. Neil Robbins took the next carry and ran 20 yards for the touchdown and a 14-point lead.
After forcing a three and out from the Wildcats, East went on an eight-play, 89-yard drive for its final touchdown of the night. The drive, which started at the East 11 yard line, was aided by two plays that went for 30-plus yards, helping the Leopards get to the Wildcats’ 26 yard line. On a second and long, Jewka Patetefa ran for 39 yards to push the ball near midfield. Two plays later Isaac Valles found John Fakahafua for a 36 yard gain. Five plays later, Patatefa found the corner of the end zone for the 28-7 lead.
GAME NOTES: East totaled 394 rushing yards and committed three turnovers in the win. Along with Tulutau’s performance, Patetefa ran for 73 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Robbin’s touchdown run was his only carry in the game, and Preston Curtis ran for 74 yards on three carries. For Woods Cross, Farnes threw for 142 yards, completing 14-of-30 pass attempts. Barton was held to just 48 yards rushing on seven carries and scored the only Wildcats’ touchdown in the game. Filipo Mokofisi led the receiving corps with 68 receiving yards on five catches. Barton and Tony Mendez each totaled 11 tackles to lead the defense.
The Leopards will face Clearfield at home next Friday. Woods Cross will travel to Cyprus High School to take on the Pirates, who lost to Bountiful 56-10.
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