Double overtime thriller gives Spanish Fork 44

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OREM — In an inspiring performance, Spanish Fork defeated Orem 44-38 on a touchdown in double overtime Friday night.

The game's fate seemed to have been sealed when Orem took the lead after a Spanish Fork touchdown with only a minute left on the clock, but the Dons were not going down without a fight.

With a minute left in regulation, and multiple penalties from the Tigers to help the Dons move down the field, Spanish Fork kicked a 31-yard field goal to send the game into overtime, which consisted of back-to-back touchdowns from both sides to send the game into a second overtime period.

Spanish Fork head coach Dustin Smith said his team hasn't played its best in games this season, but Friday night's win was a big one for his team.

"Our boys played as hard as they could possibly play," Smith said.

Spanish Fork's offense started the night off strong with a touchdown on the first drive, and the Dons' defense turned right around with the same momentum and held Orem to a turnover on downs.

Orem eventually managed a field goal, but Spanish Fork added to the scoreboard with another touchdown to take a 14-3 lead.

But the Tigers continued to push back against the Dons and closed the gap with a touchdown and safety in the second quarter to make it a 20-18 game.

The nerves didn't really start to creep in for fans until the fourth quarter as it became a race against the time. Both teams managed to score on their respective possessions, and it came down to time management.

Even though time seemed to have been on the Tigers' side, the Dons shocked fans and tied the game up with seconds left in regulation. And then the Dons clinched the victory in double overtime with a final touchdown.

Spanish Fork quarterback McKay Smith said the key to their win was the team's ability to execute as a team.

With hopes of taking this momentum to future games, Spanish Fork will face Uintah in Vernal, and Orem's season will continue as they take on West Jordan next week.