1 / 10

Davis High running back Makaio Byrd (0) tries to ward off Layton safety Carter Hughes (8) on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

2 / 10

Davis High receiver Jaxton Itaaehau (88) runs for a gain against Layton on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

3 / 10

Layton High's Preston DeWitt (4) returns a Davis kickoff on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

4 / 10

Layton High receiver Gavin Hurst (2) moves the football as Davis defender Ethan Lockwood (22) closes in on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

5 / 10

Davis High quarterback Tradon Bessinger (4) throws the football as Layton's Gavin Hurst (2) looks on in a game Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

6 / 10

Davis High's Bode Sparrow runs with the football in a game against Layton on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

7 / 10

Layton High's JP Garlick runs for a gain against Davis on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

8 / 10

Davis High players Makaio Byrd (0) and Tomasi Hasson celebrate a play during a game against Layton on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

9 / 10

Davis High quarterback Tradon Bessinger rears back to throw a pass against Layton on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

10 / 10

Students cheer during a football game between Davis and Layton on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in Layton.

❮ ❯

LAYTON — Like the multiple lightning strikes that split the game into two days, Davis High’s football contest against Farmington last week was kind of a blip on the radar, based on the Darts’ season overall.

Weather postponed the finish of Friday’s game until Saturday and the high-powered Darts offense was out of rhythm, scoring just 21 points.

“Obviously, it was a really weird game last week; we could have had a lot of excuses, but ultimately showed up and got the job done. It wasn’t pretty … we battled,” Davis receiver Bode Sparrow said. “This week, we were sharp all week. Our theme was strictly business. Keeping the main thing the main thing; we knew we had to take care of business and I think we did that today.”

Business, as in Davis scoring touchdowns on every one of its five first-half possessions against Layton on Thursday night.

The Darts remained undefeated in Region 1 action, dominating the Lancers 42-7.

Boise State commit Tradon Bessinger threw four touchdown passes to three different receivers, finishing 20 of 27 for 254 yards for the Darts.

Makaio Byrd scored three touchdowns, rushing 12 times for 101 yards and two TDs and also hauled in an 8-yard Bessinger pass. Sparrow had eight catches for 111 yards and two touchdowns.

Once again, the Darts (8-1, 3-0 Region 1) won the coin toss and opted to receive the opening kickoff.

“In 18 of our last 24 games, we got the ball first and scored. It sets the tone early,” Byrd said. “Our defense gets going because they have energy from the touchdown and we roll from there.”

Byrd bowled in from 13 yards out on Davis’ opening drive, capping a 14-play possession that took 4 minutes, 18 seconds off the clock.

“When I got the ball, I come through the hole and see my big center; he gave a great block,” Byrd said. “I came off him and just had to break two tackles and get it. It was electric after that.”

Sparrow said the first drive went according to plan.

“I thought we did a good job chewing the clock and Tradon made the right plays. We slowly marched down the field and scored … did what we were supposed to do,” Sparrow said. “Normally, we score kind of quick; that’s what we do, we score fast.”

Davis got back to its lightning electric offense on its next possession when Sparrow sprinted to pay dirt on a 69-yard pass from Bessinger, making it 14-0 midway through the quarter.

“Coach put me on a backside post and Tradon knows where I’m going to be; I kind of ran over them and took the top off,” Sparrow said.

Layton gamely tried to rally when Nathan Mecham caught a 9-yard touchdown pass from Koen Doane, closing the gap to 14-7 at the with 0:44 left in the quarter — but that just meant the Darts got the ball back again.

Byrd scored his second touchdown on a 12-yard run in the opening moments of the second stanza and Davis led 21-7.

“I saw a big hole open up; then I had to make one guy miss. All thanks to my big five up front,” Byrd said. “I had a rough game last week, so today was a big step forward.”

The Lancers fumbled six plays into their next try and Davis took over at the Lancer 43.

Bessinger connected with Sparrow for the second time, this one a 10-yard touchdown, and Davis led 28-7 with 5:14 left in the half.

“Tradon put it on the outside of me, I made a move or two and was able to get in the end zone,” Sparrow said. “We set up the whole drive with the running game. It was awesome. I’m really proud of the O-line and Makaio tonight. His runs opened up the passes.”

For the fifth consecutive time, Davis put a score on the board in the first half after Layton failed on a fake punt, giving the Darts another short field.

Isaac Morrison snagged an 8-yard Bessinger pass and Davis mounted a 35-7 lead at the break.

“I feel like as a team we did really well; we executed every time we got it; we like to score every time we get the ball,” Byrd said.

Continuing their business theme, Davis tallied on its only possession of the third quarter, a 13-play drive that ended in the arms of Byrd with an 8-yard touchdown reception.

“Coming out of half we talked about it; said the corner’s going to flare up and Tradon is going to throw it over the top,” Byrd said. “That’s exactly how we drew it up.”

That touchdown started a running clock and Davis took the opportunity to play a lot of seniors who don’t see as much time the rest of the way.

For Layton, JP Garlick rushed eight times for 76 yards. Doane finished 10 of 14 for 94 yards, with three of those balls going to Jace Porter for 26 yards. Luke Byers tallied 10 tackles with one for loss, and Garlick recorded a sack.

On the Davis defense, Caden Montgomery led with seven tackles and one for loss, while Ethan Lockwood recorded six tackles and one interception.

One region game remains between the Darts and a region championship, a big, home bout against Weber.

“There’s some things we need to clean up on both sides of the ball, but I think we’re in a good spot right now, 3-0 in region,” Sparrow said. “We’ve gotta get one more and move on to the playoffs. We’re going to make a run.”