BOUNTIFUL ó Somebody better tell the rest of Region 5 that if they want to beat the Bountiful Braves in football, they better be the first to 17 points. Bonneville didnít get that memo and the Lakers were victims of a 17-0 Brave shutout win this past Friday night in Bountiful. It was homecoming for the Bountiful faithful and the Braves got their third win of the season in four tries. Bountiful opened up the season with a 21-0 loss to Lone Peak. The Knights are the only team to eclipse the 17-point barrier on Bountifulís defense during the early part of 2008. ##M:MORE##

Bountiful has reeled off three straight wins since the opening shutout. The Braves have scored exactly 17 points in each of the three wins while only giving up a total of 14 during that span. Two of the three wins have come via shutout, courtesy of a super stingy Bravesí defense.

The Bonneville game was the league opener for both. Mountain Crest blew out Woods Cross while Bountiful was getting their win. Both the Braves and Mustangs are considered the top dogs in region and will square off in Cache Valley on Sep. 26. The Lakers are 1-3 overall while the Braves are 3-1 and ranked fourth in the 4-A state rankings.

Bountifulís defense again shined as defensive back Connor Winter snagged two interceptions. The senior had his hands on four very catchable balls, but ended up with just the two takeaways. Bountiful has intercepted four balls in its four games so far this season.

ìOur defense is tough,î Bountiful coach Larry Wall said. ìIt was homecoming and I thought our guys did a great job of staying focused and playing good football.î

The Brave running game also continued to be an offensive strength. Senior Mike Fabrizio racked up 138 yards and one touchdown while Tyler Farr was excellent in relief at tailback. Junior Mitch Johnson was bruising again for the tough yardage from his fullback position.

The Braves went on an 80-yard drive in the second quarter which culminated in the halfís only touchdown or score.

One of the biggest plays of the game was the opening kickoff of the third quarter.

Bonnevilleís kicker seemed to aim his kick in the direction of Farr at the Bountiful 20-yard line. The junior, who was in the row in front of the Bountiful return men, promptly took the ball up the east side of the field 44 yards to the Bonneville 36-yard line. Bountiful marched right down the field from there and Johnson punched it in for a touchdown from the two-yard line.

ìThe return was huge,î Wall said. ìIt fired us up and changed the momentum of the game. Tylerís a great backup and change of pace for Mike (Fabrizio) and our offense.î

Bonnevilleís defense was just as stout as the Bountiful defense during the contest. The main difference is that the Bravesí offense committed one turnover compared to five on the Lakersí end.

ìWe take pride in our defense up here and expect to compete in every game because of that,î Wall said.

The Braves are on the road this week against Box Elder.

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