Just eight minutes into Wednesday's game between the Pleasant Grove Vikings and Lone Peak Knights, there were signs of trouble for the Vikings.
The Knights had just scored an own goal when a deflected ball went over goalie Cameron Davis' head and into the net, but from then on it was a chaotic game for the rest of the first half, with neither team having many chances.
But at halftime, two challenges were issued from head coach Chris Ecarono and team captain John Fritscher.
“You know, we have a lot of respect for them… so we knew we had to be disciplined and keep them in front of us, so we did just that with our wide backs. ,” Ecarono said.
Fritscher's charge was probably more emotional than tactical.
“I feel like we were definitely the underdog in the first half,” Fritscher said. “The energy wasn't there, and I know these boys all have the craziest grit in the state. Like somebody had to get them going and get them furious. At the beginning of the first half, I told them, “We're not losing this game.''
Both tasks were met as Lone Peak's team, which averages three goals per game, was unable to score again and Davis finished with six saves. Fritscher certainly did his part, scoring three goals in just five minutes of the second half.
“Outstanding players make important plays to win games like this,” Ecarono said. “I thought John was going to step up and take a chance today.”
Fritcher's first goal came about 15 minutes into the second half off a deflection of a Rockwell Dorman cross.
“It just kind of jumped out at me and I was like, 'I'm out there and I've got to score this,'” Fritscher said.
Three minutes later, the second goal came from a great pass from Caden Pennock on a set piece from the left, which Fritcher headed in to put the Vikings ahead.
“We've been working on set pieces all week so we knew where the ball was going and we were just there,” he said.
Emboldened, Pleasant Grove scored again just 20 seconds later on a beautiful through ball from Nathan Martinez, which Fritcher converted to the left of the goal.
Pleasant Grove then hung on in the final 20 minutes to clinch its fifth district championship of the season. The win moved him into second place in Region 3.