Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

American Fork’s athletic teams had another strong season this past school year. The baseball team won their second-straight 6A state championship and the fourth title in six years, while four other teams garnered state second-place trophies.

The Cavemen also claimed four Region 3 titles and numerous state medals in season-end competitions. Here’s a sport-by-sport look at this year’s achievements.

FALL

Boys Golf

Region 3 finish: 3rd

State 6A finish: 5th

Top performer: Jack Davis (Sr.)

Season highlights: The American Fork boys golf team tied with Corner Canyon for first place in the final regular-season tournament for Region 3 at Sleepy Ridge Golf Course in Orem on Sept. 25, 2025. Sophomore Sam Fairbanks won individual medalist honors and led the way for American Fork by shooting a 65 (-7), which Coach Lynn Anderson said ties the school individual record. Jack Davis was a state medalist, tying for 10th place with a two-day total of 141 (-3).

Girls tennis

Region 3 finish: 3rd

State 6A finish: 2nd

Top performer: Sophia Leavitt (Jr.)

Season highlights: The Cavemen edged five-time 6A champion Skyridge 43-40 to capture the silver trophy at the state tournament on Oct. 4, 2025 in Salt Lake City. It was the strongest showing for American Fork in the program’s entire history. Sophia Leavitt won the gold medal in the No. 2 Singles bracket with a come-from-behind victory in the title match.

Cross Country

Region 3 finish: Boys Champion, girls 2nd

State 6A finish: Boys 2nd, girls 2nd

Top male performers: Grant Hejny (Sr.), Chase Hejny (So.)

Top female performer: Skye Jensen (Jr.)

Season highlights: The Caveman squads both earned silver trophies at the 6A State Championships held on October 29, 2025 at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City. The Herriman boys, ranked No. 4 nationally by DyeStat, narrowly edged nationally-ranked No. 7 American Fork, 60–62, to claim the state title. On the girls side, No. 1 in the nation Lone Peak repeated as state champions with 31 points, while the American Fork girls, ranked 13th nationally by DyeStat, finished second with 52. Skye Jensen won her second-straight gold medal, with freshmen Mae Glassford (4th) and Cali Dooley (8th) also claiming medals. The Hejny brothers finished less than a second apart, with Grant (4th) and Chase (5th) followed closely by sophomore David Webb (7th) in the final state medalist positions.

Girls Soccer

Region 3 finish: 2nd

State 6A finish: Quarterfinals

Season highlight: After dropping their Region 3 opener to Corner Canyon 3-0 at home, the Cavemen went on the road and defeated the Chargers 1-0 in the second round.

Girls Volleyball

Region 3 finish: 4th

State 6A finish: Quarterfinals

Season highlight: The Cavemen made huge strides this season, winning twice as many games as last year and moving up to No. 7 from No. 16 in the final 6A RPI rankings this time around.

Football

Region 3 finish: Tied for 4th

State 6A finish: Quarterfinals

Season highlight: The Cavemen pulled off a huge upset over Lone Peak at home in their Region 3 opener, topping the Knights 31-28 in a nail-biter.

WINTER

Drill

Region 3 finish: 3rd

State 6A finish: Semifinals

Season highlight: The Cavettes earned second place in both the dance and show categories at the Region 3 competition this season.

Competitive Cheer

State 6A finish: 5th

Season highlight: The Cavemen fulfilled their goal of qualifying for the state competition for the first time since cheerleading became a UHSAA-sanctioned sport. The squad finished fifth in both the dance and show divisions.

Swimming

Region 3 finish: Boys 3rd, girls 6th

State 6A finish: Boys 3rd, girls 18th

Top male performer: Sam Petersen (Jr.)

Top female performer: Darcee Smith (So.)

Season highlights: The Caveman boys tallied 247 points to outdistance powerhouse Wasatch at 222 for third place at State. The Wasps won the earlier contest between the two programs at the Region 3 meet by a considerable amount. Coach Michael King was named co-winner of the Utah Swimming Coaches Association 6A Men’s Team Coach of the Year award.

Wrestling

Division A finish: 6th

State 6A finish: 15th

Top male performer: Cohen Mortensen (Jr.)

Top female performer: Aleana Curley (Jr.)

Season highlights: Mortensen earned the bronze medal in the 144 weight class at State and was the Divisional champion in the bracket and also the Outstanding Wrestler for that tournament. The girls did not have a separate team but trained with the Skyridge girls, competing as individuals in their school’s name. Curley was the first girl to represent the Cavemen at a state tournament.

Girls Basketball

Region 3 finish: 4th

State 6A finish: Second round

Season highlights: The Cavemen surprised the Pioneers on the road in the Region 3 opener, capturing a lively contest 55-51. The squad improved their final 6A RPI ranking by seven spots over the previous year’s slot.

Boys Basketball

Region 3 finish: Champion

State 6A finish: Semifinals

Season highlights: The Cavemen claimed the Region 3 title in a very tough league. They earned thrilling wins over Lehi, Corner Canyon and Skyridge in the second round by margins of two, four and three points, respectively, and went all the way from No. 15 last season to No. 2 in the final 6A RPI rankings.

SPRING

Girls Golf

Region 3 finish: 4th

State 6A finish: 10th

Top performer: Audrey New (Jr.)

Season highlight: The Cavemen persevered through tough conditions to make the first-round cut in 10th place at the 6A state tournament with a team score of 364. They reduced their score by 18 strokes the second day to combine for 346 and a two-day total of 710.

Boys Tennis

Region 3 finish: Champion

State 6A finish: 2nd

Top performer: Braeden Johnson (Sr.)

Season highlights: The Cavemen prevailed over the rugged Region 3 field to win the league title but were edged by a single point in the 6A state tournament to finish second this time around. Braeden Johnson won the gold medal in No. 1 Singles and earned his second consecutive Utah Mr. Tennis honor. His younger brother, sophomore Camden Johnson, claimed the state title at Second Singles.

Girls Lacrosse

Region 3 finish: 5th

State 6A finish: Second round

Season highlight: The Cavemen finished the regular season with their biggest victory of the year as they bested Viewmont 16-3.

Boys Lacrosse

Region 3 finish: 5th

State 6A finish: Second round

Season highlight: The Cavemen doubled their wins from last season and earned their most exciting victory to conclude the regular season with a golden goal in the second overtime to top Copper Hills 7-6.

Track

Region 3 finish: Girls 2nd, boys 3rd

State 6A finish: Girls 4th, boys 4th

Top male performer: Kaden Fairbanks (Sr.)

Top female performer: Ginger Ballstaedt (Sr.)

Season highlights: After graduating a strong group of seniors last year, the Cavemen didn’t finish at the top this time but still scored in 12 of 18 events and set four new school records at the state meet. Fairbanks captured gold in the Boys 400-meter dash, running a personal-record 47.36 seconds for a new school record. He also placed sixth in the 200m in 21.57 seconds, also a school record. Ballstaedt won the 6A title in the Girls Long Jump.

Boys Soccer

Region 3 finish: 3rd

State 6A finish: Second round

Season highlight: The Cavemen concluded the regular season with a triumphal road win over Corner Canyon 2-1.

Softball

Region 3 finish: 3rd

State 6A finish: Super Regionals

Season highlight: The Cavemen won five contests in Region 3 after just one a year ago as they continued their improvement under their second-year head coach.

Baseball

Region 3 finish: Champion

State 6A finish: Champion

Season highlight: The Cavemen captured their second consecutive 6A state title with another sweep through the tournament. They didn’t lose a game during the final month of the season.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

American Fork senior Braeden Johnson has earned his second consecutive Mr. Tennis and Tennis Outstanding Athlete awards, which were presented to him at the Deseret News annual athletic honors banquet on Monday night (June 8) at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

Although the Cavemen came in second in the tournament this season by a single point after winning the state championships last year, Johnson capped his outstanding senior season by winning the Class 6A No. 1 Singles title despite struggling with cramps in his title match.

He was swept in the first set by No. 2 Davis Aubrey of Bingham 6-0. Johnson mounted a fierce rally after that, and gutted out two more tough sets 7-5, 7-5 to finish his prep career the way he wanted to. He had lost just a single game during the playoffs prior to the final.

As a junior, Johnson was dominant in all of his matches leading up to the First Singles final, posting a combined total score of 36-5. However, he then faced off against a formidable opponent: senior defending state champion and No. 2 seed Calvin Armstrong of Skyridge.

Armstrong easily won the first set 6-2, so Braeden had to come from behind to earn his gold medal. He proved equal to the task, securing the final two sets 6-4, 6-3. That experience no doubt helped him in his battle this time around.

Johnson has been the top-ranked singles player in Utah since moving here two years ago. Prior to that, he was the 5A state champion in Idaho as a sophomore and finished fourth in the state tournament as a freshman.

Earlier this year, he became the 2025 recipient of the Lee Hammel Outstanding Male High School Tennis Player Award from the Utah Tennis Association as well.

Johnson has signed to continue his athletic career at Brigham Young University.

CAMERON JONES

GRADE: 12

SPORT: Boys Soccer

POSITION: Attacking Midfielder

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Cameron Jones was our playmaker. His ability to change and impact games was amazing. He is fearless and can create for the team on any part of the field. Made three goals and five assists for the Cavemen this season.

COACH’S COMMENTS:

Cameron was one of our captains and he led by example throughout his senior year. He was our quiet giant. He didn’t say much vocally but his physicality and playmaking ability screamed loudly as he competed at a high level in each of our games. With his small frame, Cameron could hang with the best of the best and biggest of the biggest in any match. Cam showed emotion on the field with his desire to win and have success. We said often that if we had half a dozen players like Cameron Jones on the field with our team, no one could ever beat us. We love Cameron and wish him the best as he embarks on his full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

– Coach Casey Waldron

Sponsored by the Utah National Guard.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

For more than 40 years, the Utah High School Activities Association has presented the Academic All-State Award to recognize those students who have excelled in the classroom as well as in athletic competition.

Individuals are selected for this award on the basis of their athletic ability as a varsity contributor and academic proficiency, as measured by cumulative grade point average combined with an ACT or SAT score. All students with an unweighted GPA of 4.0 qualify for the honor.

With more than 100,000 students participating in high school activities in Utah, this award is the most prestigious honor the UHSAA presents to senior students.

Teams are named by sport and classification. Following are the names of the American Fork students who earned this honor for Class 6A during the 2025-26 school year.

FALL

Boys Cross Country

Grant Hejny

Girls Cross Country

Emma Clark

Football

Jack Reutzel

Madden Jensen

Maxon DeGroot

Ryan Dawson

Tyler Andrus

Girls Soccer

Celeste Davis

Lily Rosenthal

Girls Tennis

Ellie Dickey

Halle Smith

WINTER

Boys Basketball

Bryce Mella

Ryan Feveryear

Girls Basketball

Julia Fugal

Taylor Jensen

Competitive Cheer

Emma Hobson

Sophie Hasleton

Taycie Greenwood

Drill Team

Ashley Hutchings

Brighton Ehat

Hallie Ehat

Boys Swimming

Henry Otis

Zack Stevens

Girls Swimming

Riley Lauritzen

SPRING

Baseball

Cache Poulson

Girls Golf

Tyler Dunkley

Girls Lacrosse

Brooke McNeel

Emma Call

Boys Soccer

Cameron Jones

Softball

Lacie Fleming

Mazie Walters

Miah Walters

Boys Tennis

Gage Thurgood

Matthew Davis

Boys Track

Carson Giles

Elijah Thornton

Grant Hejny

Madden Jensen

Nathan Corey

Girls Track

Ella Edwards

Emma Clark

Hannah Cluff

Kate Piccolo

Sophie Steiger

Boys Volleyball

Porter Paskett

Ryan Feveryear

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork boys lacrosse team showed significant improvement from their previous season with twice as many victories this year. However, the Cavemen played each Region 3 team only once and didn’t win any of those contests.

American Fork received the No. 14 seed in the final 6A RPI rankings, also a bump up from 2025. The Cavemen had to go on the road against No. 3 Farmington to start the playoffs and did not advance, wrapping up the season with an 8-11 overall record.

March 26: American Fork 12, Cedar 3

This road match with the Reds got off to a slow start, with the Cavemen leading just 1-0 after the first quarter. However, the offense warmed up in the next period to net six shots while still shutting out the hosts, and American Fork cruised to the win from there with help from most of the roster.

Senior midfielder Sawyer Jensen led the charge with five goals and one assist, also garnering eight ground balls and an impressive 19-of-20 (95%) faceoffs. Senior attacker Mason Coleman scored five times as well along with picking up four ground balls and two takeaways.

Junior midfielder Joseph Massey added one goal and one give while freshman attacker Jaden Webster hit the target once and junior midfielder Statten Larsen supplied three assists.

Senior defender Wesley Brewer posted four ground balls and two takeaways. Junior goaltender Luke Hansen went the distance between the pipes and registered five saves.

March 27: American Fork 13, Hurricane 2

It was a similar story in the second game of the southern road trip as the Cavemen again went ahead 1-0 in the initial period but built a 5-1 lead by the break and rolled on to victory. Hansen made three saves in a light outing for him.

Coleman led the offense this time with six goals plus nine ground balls and three takeaways. Junior attacker Derik Robertson scored twice and made two assists while Massey added two goals and one give. Jensen contributed an assist to go with eight ground balls and 16-of-18 (89%) faceoffs won.

Junior midfielder Eric Meine, senior midfielder Owen Gardner and senior midfielder Karsten Nelson scored once apiece. Larsen made two gives and he and junior defender Lucas Jackman each gathered four ground balls.

March 28: American Fork 16, Pine View 4

The Cavemen only gave up one goal per quarter to the Panthers and scored steadily throughout the game themselves to get the win. Jensen dominated in his central role with four goals, one assist, seven ground balls and 17-of-23 (74%) faceoffs. Hansen curried nine saves in the effort.

Freshman attacker Tagg Johansson scored three times with one give. Robertson tallied two goals and three assists with Larsen adding one goal, four assists and five ground balls. Sophomore attacker Zack Moore scored twice with one give while Meine and Coleman had one of each.

Massey and senior midfielder Britain Read scored once apiece. Freshman attacker Jaden Webster made an assist. Jackman led in takeaways with four and also had four ground balls.

March 31: Pleasant Grove 12, American Fork 5

A scoring drought in the middle two quarters made it tough for the Cavemen to remain competitive in this home non-league contest. Jensen found the net twice and also collected 12 ground balls and 18-of-20 (90%) faceoffs. Hansen had a busy outing and gathered 14 saves.

Coleman added two goals and Massey had the other one. On the defensive side of the stick, Jackman and Brewer each picked up three ground balls and made three takeaways.

April 3: Timpview 11, American Fork 10

The Cavemen trailed for most of this thrilling contest on the road, but they made a run at it in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Thunderbirds 4-0 to almost erase the deficit. Hansen made a great effort with nine saves to help keep his team close.

Coleman scored a team-high five goals with six ground balls and two takeaways. Jensen scored three times and got 12 ground balls plus 17 faceoffs in the narrow loss.

Webster had a goal and a give and Meine scored once. Larsen dished out four assists while Robertson and Gardner each made one.

April 14: Highland 5, American Fork 3

The Rams shut out the Cavemen for the first three quarters but didn’t score often either in a defensive slugfest. American Fork earned a 3-0 scoring advantage in the final period, but it wasn’t quite enough to bridge the gap. Hansen finished with six saves in the effort.

Jensen registered one goal, eight ground balls and 8-of-10 faceoffs. Coleman and Moore scored once apiece. Jackman garnered four ground balls and three takeaways while Brewer added four ground balls and two takeaways.

April 16: Skyridge 22, American Fork 4

The Cavemen were able to board just one goal per quarter against the eventual 6A state champions. Hansen managed 14 saves in the offensive onslaught.

Jensen scored twice with 13 ground balls and still managed to win 14-of-20 (70%) of his faceoff attempts. Coleman netted the other two goals while Gardner and Larsen each supplied an assist.

April 21: Corner Canyon 20, American Fork 4

The Cavemen didn’t have any greater success on the road against the five-time defending state champs, who led 7-1 after the first quarter and built from there. Hansen was shelled throughout the match but made 26 saves in a heroic effort in the net.

Jensen hit the target three times plus collected nine ground balls with 17-of-25 (68%) faceoffs. Robertson made the other goal and Jackman picked up four ground balls.

April 23: Lehi 9, American Fork 4

The Cavemen played a little more evenly against the Pioneers and led 2-1 after the initial period, but they gave up five goals in the second quarter and weren’t able to bridge that gap. Hansen tallied 17 saves in the effort.

Coleman scored twice and Nelson once. Jensen contributed one goal and one assist with eight ground balls and 12-of-13 (92%) faceoffs. Senior long-stick midfielder Brigg Shipley added four ground balls.

April 28: Lone Peak 13, American Fork 4

The Knights got a quick early advantage of 7-0 in the first quarter. The Cavemen dueled nearly even after that but the hill was too high to climb. Hansen once again garnered 17 saves.

Jensen continued his dominance in field play, scoring once but scooping up 15 ground balls and winning 19-of-21 (91%) faceoffs. Coleman added one goal and one assist while Robertson and Nelson each scored once. Brewer got four ground balls.

May 1: Bingham 12, American Fork 6

The Cavemen finished the regular season with a couple of non-region opponents. They competed well with the Miners in the first period but fell behind after that and never recovered. Hansen worked hard to get 20 saves.

Jensen led the effort with two goals, one assist, five ground balls and 11 faceoffs won. Massey scored twice while Meine and freshman midfielder Leo Finch added one goal apiece. Larsen made two gives and Coleman supplied one.

May 8: American Fork 7, Copper Hills 6 (2OT)

The Cavemen had a fun game on Senior Night. They matched the Grizzlies point-for-point through the four quarters of regulation time, which ended with the tally knotted at 6-all.

The teams were scoreless in the first extra period, but American Fork got the golden goal in the second overtime to capture the thrilling victory. Hansen corralled four times as many goals as he allowed with 24 saves in the contest to help lift his team to the win.

Jensen scored five times to spark the offense and also grabbed 10 ground balls and 11-of-15 (73%) faceoffs. Coleman and Massey added the other two goals while Larsen provided two assists and Moore made one. Shipley led in takeaways with three and also had two ground balls.

May 14: No. 3 Farmington 16, American Fork 5

The Cavemen outscored the Phoenix in the second and fourth quarters but gave up 13 goals in the other two as they exited the tournament. Hansen gave another outstanding effort under heavy pressure, registering 18 saves for the outing.

Jensen capped his superlative season with one goal, seven ground balls and 14-of-20 (70%) faceoffs won. Robertson, Jackman, Coleman and Massey each scored once for American Fork and Larsen gave an assist. Jackman also contributed two ground balls and two takeaways.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork girls lacrosse team ended this year’s campaign with a playoff exit. The Cavemen didn’t win any league contests this season and received the No. 14 spot in the final 6A RPI rankings.

That placement matched them with No. 3 Mountain Ridge in a road game to open the state tournament. The Sentinels prevailed and American Fork posted a 5-14 record for the year.

March 26: American Fork 12, Spanish Fork 8

The Cavemen topped the Dons at home in a non-league contest. Junior midfielder Claire Corbridge led the effort with five goals and also gathered eight ground balls, three caused turnovers, six draw controls and 11 draws won.

Senior midfielder Sarah Egan added two goals, 12 ground balls, seven caused turnovers and four draw controls in a busy evening for her. Sophomore attacker Brooke Crandall scored three times and picked up four ground balls and three caused turnovers.

Junior midfielder Tori Ferguson made the other goal. Senior attacker Haylie Roylance provided two assists along with four ground balls and three caused turnovers. Junior Hazel Bastian went the distance between the pipes and made 11 saves to help lift her team to the victory.

March 31: Lehi 16, American Fork 12

The Cavemen competed well at Lehi but came up just a little short. Bastian tallied nine saves in the net plus three ground balls for the match. Corbridge scored four times and made four assists to go with four ground balls, 10 draw controls and 15 draws won.

Junior midfielder Aubriella Dollar added four goals while senior attacker Emma Call scored three times and made one give. Egan hit the target once. Senior defender Brooke McNeel grabbed three ground balls and caused two turnovers while sophomore defender Molly Mazeika posted four ground balls.

April 2: Skyridge 26, American Fork 3

Like everyone else, the Cavemen struggled to penetrate the defense of the top-seeded Falcons. Bastian garnered 18 saves and four ground balls in a heroic effort in the net. Corbridge and Egan provided the goals for American Fork. Sophomore midfielder La’akea Manuela won 5-of-10 draws.

April 3: American Fork 10, Desert Hills 6

The Cavemen led 6-1 at the break and went on to the home victory from there. Bastian made nine saves to aid in the win. Corbridge scored four times, had six draw controls and won 10-of-16 (63%) faceoffs. Dollar added three goals while Roylance scored once and made one give.

McNeel registered a goal with three ground balls and four caused turnovers. Sophomore attacker Kasia Priday made an assist. Egan scooped up six ground balls.

April 14: Corner Canyon 21, American Fork 7

As Region 3 play resumed after the break, Roylance scored three times while Call and Egan added two goals apiece on the road. Corbridge contributed two ground balls, two caused turnovers, five draw controls and seven draws won. Bastian gathered six saves.

April 16: Skyridge 28, American Fork 4

The Cavemen didn’t fare any better in the return visit to Skyridge. Statistical information for this contest was incomplete.

April 21: Corner Canyon 20, American Fork 6

Sophomore attacker Brooke Crandall led the offensive effort at home with three goals and three ground balls. Call scored twice and Corbridge once, adding three ground balls, four draw controls and 11 draws won.

Egan garnered five ground balls, three caused turnovers and five draw controls. McNeel was tops in ground balls with six and also caused three turnovers. Bastian made seven saves.

Apri 23: Lehi 19, American Fork 9

Corbridge reasserted herself in this contest with four goals, one assist, three ground balls, four draw controls and 12 draws won.

Call scored three times with one give plus provided four ground balls and six draw controls. Crandall and Dollar added the other scores and Egan scooped up four ground balls.

April 28: Lone Peak 22, American Fork 5

Corbridge and Call hit the target twice apiece and Crandall made the other goal for the Cavemen. Manuela was the leader in ground balls with four while Egan added nine draws won. Bastian had seven saves in the effort.

May 5: Alta 13, American Fork 8

The Cavemen were competitive in a non-league game on the road. Royland had a big offensive game with three goals and two assists to spark the attack. Corbridge scored twice with one give and also contributed five ground balls, four caused turnovers, five draw controls and 10 draws won.

Call added a goal and an assist while Ferguson and Crandall each scored once plus Dollar and Manuela made one give apiece. McNeel had three ground balls and Bastian recorded 11 saves.

May 8: American Fork 16. Viewmont 3

The Cavemen had a lively game against the overmatched Vikings, led by Corbridge’s seven goals with three ground balls, eight draw controls and 11-of-15 (73%) draws won. Bastian had seven saves to notch the victory in the net.

Call also had a superlative outing with four goals, two assists, four ground balls, two caused turnovers and a pair of draw controls. Roylance scored once with one give.

Mazeika, Crandall, Dollar and Egan added one goal apiece. Egan also had three ground balls and two caused turnovers while Mazeika got four ground balls.

May 14: No. 3 Mountain Ridge 20. American Fork 3

The Cavemen couldn’t get much traction against the formidable Sentinels, who went on to reach the Final Four in the 6A state tournament.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The two-time defending state champion American Fork boys soccer team graduated a talent-heavy senior class last year and ended up in a bit of a rebuilding mode this time around. The Cavemen finished third in Region 3 with a 3-5 record.

American Fork received the No. 14 seed in the final 6A RPI rankings. The Cavemen opened the state tournament on the road and bowed out to a high-seeded team to complete their season with a 6-9 overall record. They were competitive in most of their losses but just couldn’t get over the hump.

April 1: American Fork 1, Lehi 0

In their second league contest, the Cavemen had to rely on the leg of senior midfielder Gabriel Cadena, who found the net after receiving a pass from senior midfielder Cameron Jones during the second period.

Sophomore Jake Thompson and junior Madden Montalvan split time defending the target from the Pioneers and shared the shutout.

April 3: Lone Peak 2, American Fork 2 (SO 4-5)

On the road, the Cavemen took the initial lead with a goal in the first period and scored once after the break as well, but the Knights netted two goals in the second half to push the match into overtime. Neither team was able to get a golden goal in the two extra periods, and Lone Peak won the shootout 5-4.

Senior wing Beckham Rosenthal made one goal and one assist for American Fork. Junior midfielder Dylan Gutierrez scored off his give, and junior defender Everett Nash provided Rosenthal with the pass that led to his goal.

April 15: Corner Canyon 1, American Fork 0

The Chargers managed to hit the target one time in the second half to sneak past the Cavemen on their home pitch as teams resumed play following the spring break.

April 17: Skyridge 1, American Fork 0 (2OT)

The teams battled through nearly 100 minutes of scoreless soccer before the Falcons were able to get the golden goal in the second overtime period.

April 24: American Fork 5, Lehi 2

After a couple of near misses, the Cavemen took out their frustrations on the struggling Pioneers, scoring twice in the first half and three times after the break for a big victory. The visitors got both of their goals in the second period.

Senior midfielder Logan Gubler led the offensive effort with one goal and one assist. Junior defender Aeris Rasmussen, senior forward Ethan Kieper, Gutierrez and senior wing Gunner Michaelis each hit the target once to supply the other points.

Senior midfielder Nixon Caceres and Jones each made an assist for American Fork.

April 29: Lone Peak 2, American Fork 1 (OT)

Each team put a goal in the net in the first period but went scoreless after that to bring on overtime again. This time the Knights were able to score in the first extra stanza to secure the golden-goal win. Rosenthal was responsible for the solo Caveman goal.

May 1: American Fork 2, Corner Canyon 1

The Cavemen managed to find the target once in the initial period to get the early lead on the road against the Chargers. Each team scored one time after the break, but American Fork was able to hang on for the victory.

May 12: No. 3 Farmington 3, American Fork 0

The Cavemen drew a tough road game to open the playoffs and couldn’t find a way to score against the Phoenix, who went on to finish second to Lone Peak for the 6A championship.

Photos by Sam Penrod.

Beky Beaton / Lehi Free Press

The American Fork girls golf team earned 10th place in a tight section of the field at the 6A state tournament, played on May 18 and 19 at Davis Park Golf Course in Kaysville.

The event took place under challenging conditions, especially on the first day, but the Cavemen persevered and made the cut in 10th place with a team score of 364. They improved by 18 strokes the second day to combine for 346 and a two-day total of 710.

Leading the way for American Fork was their Region 3 medalist, junior Audrey New, who came in 21^st with a two-day total of 170. She carded an 87 in the first round and improved four strokes to 83 for the second round.

Freshman Sophie Davis was the next golfer in for American Fork, tied for 33^rd place with a combined score of 177. She dropped 11 strokes from her first-day total to post an 83 in Round 2.

The other state competitors for the Cavemen included sophomore Annika Hess at 185, senior Abbie Bahr at 187, senior Tyler Dunkley at 189, plus senior Rachel Hale at 192, who improved 12 strokes from the first to the second day.

“We’re proud of the way the girls competed all season and represented our program,” said Coach Lynn Anderson. “Our seniors provided leadership and experience, and they helped set the tone for the team culture. We’re grateful for everything they contributed.

“At the same time, several of our underclassmen really stepped up and played some outstanding golf, which gives us a lot to build on moving forward,” he continued.

“Finishing fourth in our region and then making the cut at State to qualify for the second day are great accomplishments and things the team worked very hard to earn,” Anderson concluded.

Polly Anderson and Mike New assisted in coaching the girls this season.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The top-seeded American Fork baseball team completed its undefeated run through the 6A playoffs with a pair of victories over No. 7 Skyridge (19-14), which emerged as the Bracket 2 champ after twice upsetting No. 2 Mountain Ridge (23-8).

The Cavemen finished the year with a 24-8 record and captured their fourth state championship in the past six seasons.

May 22: American Fork 2, Skyridge 1

Played at Utah Valley University, the first game of the championship series was a dandy pitcher’s duel. Senior Kenny Johnson scattered five hits, struck out seven and gave up just two free passes in a complete-game triumph.

The Cavemen went up first in the bottom of the initial inning. The leadoff man was senior shortstop Bode Gaggero, who opened the turn with a single to the center-right gap. Senior second baseman Gavin Robinson followed him aboard with a base hit to center field.

With one out, Johnson doubled to the wall to bring in Gaggero, but the Falcons worked themselves out of the jam without giving up any more runs.

In the top of the fourth inning, Skyridge leadoff batter Luke Robley got a free pass when he was hit by a pitch. Rip Roberts then hit a sharp grounder which was fielded cleanly near second base but thrown into the dugout, allowing the runner to score to tie things up at 1-1.

After multiple discussions between the umpires and coaches, the officials allowed Skyridge to keep the run.

In the bottom of the fifth inning, Gaggero laced a stand-up triple into the center-right gap to open the turn. Two batters later, he came home when senior catcher Cache Poulson flew out to the warning track to create a 2-1 advantage.

Neither team was able to score again so that’s how the contest ended. The Cavemen left seven runners on base but got the one across that mattered.

May 23: American Fork 5, Skyridge 3

The Falcons were the home team for the second game of the best-of-three series, so the Cavemen came to bat first. Gaggero set the tone early with a home run to right field on the third pitch of the game.

Gavin Robinson then singled aboard and stole second with one out and Johnson at the plate, playing first base that day. Johnson’s ground out advanced Gavin Robinson to third.

Junior left fielder Tallon Willardson then drove the ball deep into center field for a triple to start American Fork out with a 2-0 advantage.

However, the Falcons answered in their half with sophomore Cruz Adams on the bump. Miles Robinson turned a leadoff single to center field into a double with his speed.

He then scored when Rip Roberts hit a ground ball past second base and made it to third on the subsequent relays. Roberts came across on a single by Zayden Bye to knot things up at 2-2.

In the top of the second inning with two outs, sophomore third baseman Jens Price reached second base with a double. Gaggero then hit another long ball to almost the same spot over the right-field wall and brought both of them home to double the Caveman advantage to 4-2.

Again Skyridge responded in the bottom half. Leadoff batter Bo Larson doubled to center field to open the turn. With two outs and Larson at third, Miles Robinson drove him across with a single to right field to cut the deficit in half, but that was all the Falcons would get.

Poulson added a solo homer for American Fork in the top of the seventh inning. In the bottom half, Mason Omae led off with a sharp grounder down the third-base line that he was able to beat out to reach first, but he became the last of five Falcon runners to be stranded in the contest.

After he got roughed up a little at the start, Adams settled into a nice rhythm and ended up going the distance for American Fork. He got just two strikeouts, but his team’s defense was flawless in backing him up and he only yielded two walks and seven hits for the afternoon.

Gaggero swung the hot bat of the title stretch, with four hits including a triple and a pair of home runs. He crossed four times and drove in another runner in a series where every score was a factor in the outcome.

Photos by Jim Ballard.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The No. 1 American Fork baseball team went undefeated through the 6A state tournament on the way to winning a repeat title. In a schedule oddity that reinforces the strength of Region 3 this season, the Cavemen faced only league foes in their bracket and in the championship series (see separate story).

May 13-14: Cavemen oust No. 16 Farmington 2-0

In the Super Regional round to start the 6A playoffs, the Cavemen hosted the Phoenix and eliminated them in two games 8-4, 17-3. In the first contest, American Fork scored in every inning while Farmington was shut out until the fifth.

Senior Kenny Johnson got the start and the win with three other pitchers contributing. Senior Bode Gaggero slammed the door shut by retiring the side in order in the top of the seventh inning plus he had an RBI and a run. Sophomore Cruz Adams and sophomore Brecken Jensen also made appearances.

Sophomore infielder Jens Price tallied three hits including a double with an RBI and a run scored. Junior Tallon Willardson hit a home run and supplied two RBI while junior catcher Bentley Taggart had a solo home run and scored one other time.

Johnson helped himself with two hits and two runs. Senior catcher Cache Poulson drove in a run.

In the second game of the best-of-three, the score was a relatively close 7-3 heading into the sixth inning.

However, the Phoenix were shut out in the top half and the Cavemen scored 10 in their turn to end it early. Willardson notched the victory on the mound with sophomore Ty Holmstead and Price also contributing to the win.

Poulson singled and tripled for three RBI and two runs scored while Price had a double, three RBI and one run. Johnson had three hits including a double and scored four times. Taggert posted three hits, two RBI and a run. Senior infielder Gavin Robinson added a double with an RBI and two runs.

Senior outfielder River Litke contributed two RBI and two runs, while Willardson added one of each. Senior outfielder Hanks Jacobsen supplied two RBI and scored once. Gaggero made two runs and senior Boston Jones one. Holmstead drove one runner across in the whole-team effort.

May 18: American Fork 11, No. 9 Jordan 3

At BYU, the Cavemen opened Bracket 1 play against the Beetdiggers, a baseball-only stablemate in Region 3. American Fork took control with three runs in the bottom of the second inning and never trailed in the contest.

Johnson got the call to start the week on the bump, and he earned the win with six strikeouts against two walks and two hits in five innings of work. Price and Holmstead each threw an inning in relief.

Taggert almost hit for the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a single, double and triple for two RBI and a run scored. Gaggero added two hits, drove in two runs and crossed once himself. Willardson had two hits including a solo home run. Robinson provided a double, two RBI and a run.

Holmstead got a double, an RBI and scored twice. Jones hit a triple and made a run. Poulson drove in two runs and Johnsen sent one across. Price scored twice.

May 19: American Fork 8, No. 5 Lehi 5

The Pioneers got a quick early lead with three runs in their opening turn, but the Cavemen got one back in the bottom half and then took the lead in the bottom of the second with three more runs.

Lehi tied the score in the top of the third, but four runs in the bottom of the fifth put American Fork in front for good. Adams got the start and the win with Gaggero throwing two innings in relief. He also singled and doubled and scored once.

Price hit a double, drove in three runs and scored once. Poulson sent two across and made a run as well. Johnson with two hits and Holmstead each added an RBI and a run. Taggert and Robinson scored once apiece.

May 20: American Fork 6, No. 5 Lehi 2

The Pioneers beat No. 4 Riverton for the second time in the one-loss game to face the Cavemen again for the bracket title. American Fork got the advantage with three runs in the bottom of the second and rode the arms of their pitchers to the finish line.

Willardson made the start and struck out 11 with one walk and two runs to earn the victory. Holmstead came on in relief to finish the job, getting the last two outs. The solid pitching and error-free defense stranded eight Lehi runners on base.

Holmstead also contributed on the other side of the plate with a home run, two RBI and an additional run scored. Price added a double and two RBI, while Johnson doubled to drive one in and also scored. Taggert had two hits and scored once. Jones and Robinson made the other runs.

Photos by Matt Paepke.