The Carbon Dinos exploded offensively, delivering the highest scoring output by a Carbon team in 25 years as they defeated the Grand Red Devils 68-6 in Moab Friday night.
“We are always proud of our kids, and this is the potential that we talk about,” said head coach Nick Milovich following the win. “I felt like we executed and did everything right. I couldn’t be prouder of the way the kids came out and played.”
Carbon dominated in all three aspects, opening a 28-0 lead by the end of the first quarter. The lopsided affair continued throughout the second period as the Dinos carried a 55-0 advantage into the second half, en route to a 2-0 start.
The Dinos used a heavy dose of the rushing attack against the Red Devils. The first touchdown of the game came from Tayger Timothy on a 46-yard run, setting the stage for a powerful performance from Carbon’s front five.
Dexter Packard paced the rushing attack, averaging over 10 yards per carry as he finished with 86 yards and two touchdowns on eight carries. Jordan Nichols, Kolton Finch, Riker O’Hearon, and Daxtyn Mower also recorded rushing touchdowns, rounding out the well-balanced effort.
Junior quarterback Kayden Dunn was efficient in leading the offense in just his second game as the varsity starter. Completing three of five passes for 100 yards, Dunn found Timothy on a beautiful 23-yard strike with 4:21 left in the first quarter, giving Carbon a 21-0 lead. He also found success with his legs, running the ball five times for 37 yards.
Carbon’s offensive unit played turnover-free football, showing vast improvement in last week’s win over American Leadership Academy. The efficiency was something the coaches put extra emphasis on throughout the week.
“First game jitters are out of the way, and they managed to hang on to the ball tonight,” said Milovich. “The game plan went exactly how we wanted. It was just excellent execution all the way around.”
Complimenting Carbon’s offensive prowess was a near-perfect performance from the defense.
The Red Devils were not only held scoreless throughout the first three quarters but also did not secure a first down until the final quarter of play. Carbon also forced three Grand turnovers, adding to the early scores that put the game out of reach.
“That’s a credit to coaches Danny Mower and Dave Black and just how we look at things week to week,” said Milovich when asked about the defensive performance. “I know we gave up a few things to ALA, and we needed to make corrections. The coaches and kids answered the call again, so I’m just thrilled.”
Friday’s win marks the fourth consecutive for Carbon against Grand, while moving the team’s record to 2-0 on the season. The start puts Carbon on the brink of its first 3-0 start since 2014.
The Dinos will prepare to host the Ogden Tigers on Friday, Aug. 29. The Tigers will enter the game with a 1-1 record, rebounding from a 28-20 loss to Summit Academy in the season opener with a 45-0 win over Judge Memorial Friday night.