Outscoring Richfield 24-0 in the second half, Morgan flipped the script on a 9-point deficit the Trojans found themselves in after the first quarter.

Morgan, which leads Richfield 11-3 since 1940, backed up last year’s victory in the quarterfinals and the not-too-distant 13-2 state title victory of 2024. The Trojans return to the finals vs. No. 2 Juab/No. 3 Logan on Saturday, Nov. 14, at Eccles Coliseum at Southern Utah University.

It’ll be the fourth time Jared Barlow’s led a Morgan squad to the 3A state title game since first stepping into the head coaching role in 2020. It’s the sixth time the Trojans have reached the championship in 10 years.

George Thurston, hauling in an 11-yard pass from quarterback senior Owen Gilson, to begin the second quarter with their first offensive answer after giving up nine unanswered points, including a Ngalu Taufatofua touchdown run.

William Pace carried the ball 92 yards for a major momentum-shifting touchdown, setting up a 13-9 Morgan lead before halftime.

Richfield opened the second half without an answer, and the Trojans inched their sword further. Seth Turner extended the lead by 3 with a field goal, and Thurston, hauling in the second of 3 Gilson touchdown passes, made for a 23-9 ballgame entering the fourth quarter.

Without a counter, Richfield coughed up 14 more points to Morgan, poised to bring its explosive offense to the table in the 3A finals next week.

Connect with Standard-Examiner sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net, X @ctbecker and Instagram @standardexaminersports.