Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork boys golf team is making good progress as the Cavemen move through ultra-competitive Region 3 play. The league race has proven to be very interesting this season as teams jockey for position and switch places from week to week.

Aug. 26: Cavemen fifth at River Oaks

In the second Region 3 tournament at River Oaks Golf Course in Sandy, American Fork posted a combined score of 290 in an exciting race as only 12 strokes separated the entire field.

Lone Peak won this round at 278, followed by Lehi at 281, then Skyridge and Corner Canyon tied at 285 strokes apiece. The counted scores for the Cavemen were all under 75.

Junior Sam Fairbanks led the effort with a 70 (-2), while junior Landon Lieu and senior Wes Brown each carded a 73 and junior Ben Davis completed the tally with a 74.

Among the other varsity participants, freshman Will Zimmerman was the next one in with an 80, junior Cade Henneman posted an 82, senior Chad Douglass earned an 83 and Sam Bitner came in at 85.

American Fork finished fourth in the JV tournament, with junior Cash Van Buren recording the lowest score of the round in that division at 70 (-2).

Aug. 31: Cavemen fourth at Thanksgiving Point

American Fork outlasted Skyridge in this third event of the Region 3 season. Lehi captured the title with a team score of 283. The Knights posted a 285, the Chargers amassed 297, the Cavemen tallied 302 and Skyridge finished at 304.

Van Buren provided the best score on this occasion with a 73, followed by Fairbanks at 75, Henneman at 76 and Douglass at 78 for the combined team total. The other varsity participants included Lieu at 79, Davis at 81, Brown at 82 and junior James Norton at 84.

In the JV tournament, American Fork finished second behind only Corner Canyon. Sophomore James Smith and senior Hawk Rosenvall tied for the team-best score of the round at 80 strokes.

Sept. 3: Cavemen third at Meadow Brook

At the Meadow Brook Golf Course in Taylorsville, the Cavemen finished tied with perennial state power Lone Peak at 290 in the combined team scores, but both of them were behind the Pioneers at 274 and the Chargers at 279. The Falcons came in at 295.

American Fork had all but one score in the 70s this round, led by Fairbanks with a solid effort at 70 (-2). Lieu and Davis tied at 73 and Douglass  furnished a 74 to complete the counted scores.

Brown also shot a 74. Henneman managed a 77, Van Buren carded a 79 and junior Cutter Garner posted a 91.

In the corresponding JV round, the Cavemen finished just three strokes behind Corner Canyon and Lone Peak, which tied for first place. Smith earned the squad top spot with a score of 75.

The league competition continues on Tuesday (Sept. 8) at Fox Hollow Golf Club in American Fork.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork football team made the plays they needed to in all three phases of the game to earn a hard-fought 28-26 victory over the Thunderbirds in rain-soaked Provo on Friday (Aug. 28).

Timpview got the ball first and managed to penetrate as far as the Caveman 33-yard line, but on 4^th-and-3, an attempted throw went through the hands of the receiver with sophomore defensive back Brayden Litke right there on the coverage and the ball went over on downs.

With sophomore quarterback Jake Matsen sidelined with an injury, senior quarterback Nate Childs took over the signal-calling duties and gave a credible effort against a tough Timpview squad that limited offensive production throughout the contest.

That made it important for American Fork to take advantage of every opportunity. The Thunderbirds provided some with undisciplined penalties on the initial drive along with big completions to senior wide receivers Mason Brooks and Damian Wilkinson plus senior running back DC Fonua.

Those combinations brought the ball to the 2-yard-line. Senior fullback Dalin Afu took it over from there at the 5:08 mark and senior kicker Jace Worthington added the PAT for a 7-0 lead.

During the subsequent Timpview possession, senior safety Noah Behm made an interception near the goal line but it was called back on a penalty and the Thunderbirds eventually scored. The PAT was blocked, leaving the tally at 7-6.

The next Caveman drive started with two big completions by junior wide receiver Ty Holmstead to get the ball to midfield. Junior wide receiver Cash Taiese then made a spectacular one-handed catch for a first down at the Timpview 40-yard line.

American Fork alternated rushes by senior running back Ben Iongi with passes to senior tight end Christian Hanshaw to keep the ball moving. Taiese picked up 17 yards on the next throw to get close to the target, and senior tight end Zach Cowie cradled a 5-yard touchdown toss for the score.

The Caveman defense applied some serious pressure during the next Thunderbird possession. Senior defensive lineman Dalin Afu sacked the quarterback and later, senior defensive lineman Dylan Latu dragged him down again to force a punt on 3-and-out.

American Fork got great field position at their own 45, but threw a pick on first down that was returned to the 20 but backed up to the 38 on a penalty. Despite sacks by senior defensive back Lincoln Miller and Latu during the drive, Timpview was able to score and converted a pass to draw even at 14-all.

The teams traded the ball a couple of times before senior linebacker Sam Thompson made an impressive leap to snag a pick at midfield after a Thunderbird pass was deflected by junior defensive lineman Hiland Atwood with about a minute remaining to the break.

However, the ensuing drive bogged down after a sack and the Cavemen punted, with senior linebacker Rhett Jensen downing the ball inside the 1-yard-line with just seconds left.

On the next down, there was a scrum around the goal line. Thompson managed to knock the ball loose and Afu recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown. Worthington’s PAT gave American Fork a 21-14 advantage going into the locker room.

The Cavemen started with the ball in the second half and marched right down the field with a mix of plays supported by excellent effort from the offensive line. Iongi cashed in from the 1-yard mark and Worthington doubled the lead to 28-14 with 5:19 to go in the third period.

Timpview rallied to score two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, but American Fork blocked the PAT after the first one and a two-point pass try after the second one failed to allow the Cavemen to escape with the victory.

“We just want to let everyone know we’re coming,” said Dalin Afu after the conclusion of the contest. “Don’t sleep on us.”

Childs completed 20-of-28 (71.4%) passes for 185 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Iongi was the workhorse rusher with 13 carries for 47 yards and one score.

American Fork spread the ball among six receivers. Holmstead finished with five catches for 47 yards, Taiese added five receptions for 41 yards and Hanshaw tallied 36 yards with his five grabs.

Senior defensive back Damian Wilkinson and junior linebacker Ty Wilson led in tackles with seven combined apiece while Miller and Latu added six each. Wilson also had three deflections.

Afu and Hanshaw were responsible for the blocked PAT attempts. Senior defensive lineman Daedae Mausia caused a fumble that was recovered by Thompson in addition to the one already mentioned.

“Timpview is a great football team,” said head Coach Aaron Behm. “I was really proud of our kids and how we continued to focus on the next play.

“When you play teams who also have great athletes and a lot of talent, there are going to be big plays throughout the course of the game,” the coach said. “But continuing to move forward and play the next play was huge for us tonight.

“I think a great example of that is immediately after Timpview scored, we focused on the PAT and blocked two of them, and that turned out to be the difference in the game,” Behm concluded.

After three straight weeks on the road, the Cavemen will host their home opener on Friday (Sept. 4) when they welcome Farmington at 7 p.m.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork High School girls volleyball team posted four wins and three losses in the past two weeks in pre-region action to bring their overall record to 4-4 at this point.

Aug. 13: Mountain Ridge 3, American Fork 1

The Cavemen played well on the road in their opening two games against the Sentinels, pushing the first one to an extra point before bowing 24-26 and winning the second one 25-15. However, Mountain Ridge was able to prevail in the final two sets 25-18, 25-16 to finish out the match on top.

Senior outside hitter Macy Melville led the effort for American Fork, furnishing 13 kills, three combined blocks, six digs and 18 serve-receives. Junior opposite Alivia Lemon served five aces to go with three kills.

Senior outside hitter Destinie Hampton added six kills and 15 serve-receives, while senior setter Brynn Murray contributed four kills, two aces and 25 assists. Sophomore libero Calla Pranger tallied six digs and 17 serve-receives. Senior libero Taanii Fielding managed 23 serve-receives.

Aug. 18: Pleasant Grove 3, American Fork 2

The Cavemen played a lively five-set match against the perennial powerhouse Vikings at home which included 16 ace serves by the home squad. It was a back-and-forth contest throughout the evening, but the visitors eventually prevailed 18-25, 25-15, 21-25, 25-19, 15-6.

Melville again led the attack with 12 kills, three aces, 12 digs and 10 serve-receives. Fielding had an exceptional outing with six aces, 11 digs and 40 serve-receives. Murray added three kills, four aces, 10 digs and 30 assists.

Hampton supplied eight kills with three aces, 12 digs and 14 serve-receives. Lemon and freshman hitter Alexis Brant each laid down seven kills and Pranger took 11 serve-receives.

Aug. 20: American Fork 3, Crimson Cliffs 0

In the initial match of their southern road trip, the Cavemen recorded their first victory with a 25-22, 25-15, 25-17 sweep of the Mustangs.

Melville posted 11 kills with eight digs, four assists and 12 serve-receives. Hampton added eight kills, seven digs and nine serve-receives while Lemon had six kills, three aces plus three combined blocks. Brant also made six kills.

Murray contributed three kills with two solo blocks, 14 digs and 26 assists. Fielding managed 12 serve-receives while Pranger took 10.

Aug. 21: Faith Lutheran (Las Vegas NV) 3, American Fork 0

The Cavemen then dropped down to meet the Crusaders the next day. They competed well in the early going but the home school built a 25-22, 25-20, 25-13 win.

Hampton led the attack with eight kills to go with 11 serve-receives while Melville added six kills and 17 serve-receives. Junior middle blocker Daci Roberts added four kills and three solo blocks and Brant also had four kills.

Murray served two aces with eight digs and 19 assists. Fielding led in digs with 11 and serve-receives with 20.

Aug. 22: American Fork 3, Desert Hills 1

The next morning, the Cavemen prevailed 25-23, 22-25, 25-21, 26-24 in a tight match against the Thunder. Melville had an impressive offensive outing with 19 kills and also picked up a team-high 22 serve-receives to spark the effort.

Lemon also had a productive morning with seven kills, four aces, six solo blocks and one block-assist. Hampton added seven kills, a team-high 14 digs plus 19 serve-receives. Fielding was right behind her with 12 digs and 19 serve receives. Murray served three aces with 11 digs and 29 assists.

Aug. 22: American Fork 3, Dimond (Anchorage AK) 0

The Cavemen completed this intensive stretch by sweeping the Lynx 25-20, 25-15, 25-22. Lemon hammered 11 kills while Melville had 10 with 12 digs and 14 serve-receives.

Fielding added three aces plus 26 serve-receives and Hampton delivered five kills, three aces and 10 digs. Murray supplied 28 assists.

Aug. 27: American Fork 3, Westlake 0

Finally back in their own gym, the Cavemen pulled out another exciting win over the Thunder 27-25, 25-20, 25-21. In their final match before the start of league play, the Cavemen visit Farmington on Thursday (Sept. 3) at 5 p.m.

They will open the Region 3 schedule by hosting top-ranked and undefeated Corner Canyon on Tuesday (Sept. 8) at 6:30 p.m.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork football team gave a creditable effort against powerhouse Mater Dei in Santa Ana (CA) on Friday (Aug. 21), but the Monarchs eventually prevailed 31-11.

The first victory was holding the home squad out of the end zone the entire first quarter. However, Mater Dei broke through in the second period, first scoring a safety and then a rushing touchdown. The Monarchs elected to go for two and converted for a 10-0 lead at the 5:28 mark.

The Cavemen responded with a drive that penetrated the red zone, but with less than a minute remaining to the break, senior kicker Jace Worthington split the uprights from 26 yards out to get American Fork on the board.

Half a minute later, Mater Dei scored on a long pass play and took a 17-3 advantage to the locker room.

The Cavemen narrowed the margin in the third quarter, capping a drive with a 9-yard touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Jake Matsen to junior wide receiver Cash Taiese. Matsen threw to senior tight end Zach Cowie for the two-point make.

That pulled American Fork within a touchdown at 11-17 with 4:19 remaining in the third period, but that was as close as they got. The home squad scored twice more in the final quarter to earn the win.

“It was a great trip,” said head Coach Aaron Behm. “I’m really proud of our kids and how they took on the challenge of playing a school like Mater Dei. We battled for all four quarters, made plays on both sides of the ball and competed really, really well.”

Senior safety Noah Behm led the defense with three solo and nine total tackles, plus two fumbles caused and one recovered. Senior linebacker Luke Vernon added six tackles and recovered a fumble, while sophomore defensive back Brayden Litke had four solo of six tackles and Taiese made a pick.

“We would have loved to travel to California and come home with a win, but this experience is one that should give our guys a lot of confidence heading into the rest of the season,” the coach continued. “I think we learned more about ourselves.

“I think we played better than we did in Week 1, which is always the goal – to get better each week.  We’re excited to get back home and get back to work and take on a really talented Timpview team,” he concluded.

The Cavemen head to Provo on Friday (Aug. 28) to take on the Timpview Thunderbirds at 7 p.m.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork High School girls soccer team has played its way into a No. 3 statewide ranking with four straight victories for a 6-1 mark to get the year started.

Aug. 13: American Fork 2, Snow Canyon 1

In the first game of a southern road trip, the Cavemen came from behind to top the Warriors. Snow Canyon enjoyed a 1-0 advantage at the break, but American Fork responded with two goals in the second period to earn the win.

Senior forward Cambree Ballard and sophomore forward Ivy Jacobson each hit the target once with senior midfielder Suri Parsia providing an assist in the contest.

Aug. 15: American Fork 1, Crimson Cliffs 1 (SO 5-4)

Next the Cavemen took on the Mustangs. Ballard scored in the initial period with an assist from sophomore midfielder Claira Connors, but Crimson Cliffs drew even with a goal in the second half and the teams played through the rest of regulation and two overtime periods without scoring again.

American Fork won the ensuing shootout 5-4. Junior defender Lehua Fisher, Suri Parsia, senior defender Farah Parsia, Ballard and senior defender Sienna Bushman all converted on their penalty kicks to lift the Cavemen to the victory.

Aug. 18: American Fork 2, Spanish Fork 1

The next stop for the Cavemen was in south Utah County, where they faced off against the Dons. American Fork found the target one time in each half while the home squad scored once in the second period.

Ballard and senior midfielder Alli Brown supplied the goals for the visitors and Suri Parsia contributed an assist.

Aug. 20: American Fork 2, Skyline 0

Finally back at home, the Cavemen scored twice in the first half and the goalkeeper kept a clean sheet to notch a shutout win for American Fork. Senior defender Sophie Dunn and Connors recorded the goals in the match and senior midfielder Charlotte Anderson supplied an assist.

The Cavemen host Layton on Tuesday (Aug. 25) and visit Weber on Thursday (Aug. 27). Both matches are set to kick off at 3:30 p.m.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA) has begun the biennial process of adjusting classification and region assignments for its member schools, which number 163 at present.

As has often been the case in recent years, some adjustments to the procedures to establish these assignments have been made in an attempt to refine the process based on results from the previous cycle’s alignments.

In a press release sent out Friday (Aug. 21), the UHSAA announced that the “Board of Trustees met and finalized the Formats and Procedures for the 2027-29 statewide alignment of member schools. The approved formats and procedures outline the process used to establish classifications and regions for UHSAA competition.

“The UHSAA conducts a statewide realignment of its member schools every two years to establish classifications and regions for competition.

“Beginning with the 2027-2029 alignment cycle, member schools are placed into classifications using a Composite Realignment Index (CRI), which combines school enrollment, socio-economic status (SES) and competitive performance.

“The UHSAA Board of Trustees establishes the number of schools in each classification and retains final authority over all classification and region assignments, including consideration of geographic factors and appeals.

“Realignment includes both a general alignment and a separate football alignment. Region assignments are finalized in December of even-numbered years, with competition under the new alignment beginning the following August.”

As indicated in this document, the Board will now apply a new “Composite Realignment Index (CRI)” as part of the realignment process. The UHSAA Handbook gives this explanation of what the CRI is and how it will be applied, as follows.

C. Procedures for the 2027-2029 Alignment of Schools as Adopted by the Board of Trustees

1. Classifications are based on October 1 data for junior and sophomore classes, excluding self-contained students, as reported by the State Office of Education in even calendar years.

2. UHSAA member schools shall be placed into classifications based on a Composite Realignment Index (CRI) score. The CRI score is calculated using a combination of enrollment (size), socio-economic status (SES), and competitive performance. The number of schools in each classification shall be established by the Board of Trustees (BOT). Schools will be assigned to classifications based on a CRI score with higher scores placed in higher classifications and lower scores placed in lower classifications. A school may submit an appeal for classification placement based on geographic considerations. The BOT will review all appeals and determine if an adjustment is warranted. The BOT retains the responsibility and final authority for alignment of all UHSAA member schools.

3. To accommodate geographic adjustments, regions may have schools in different classifications.

Since this is the first time the CRI has been used, it’s uncertain at this point how the local high schools will be affected by this change. In addition to these modifications, “Section B. Format” includes the following new language.

5. Prior to the first consideration of assigned regions or divisions, any school may apply to compete in a higher classification for a specific sport or activity if the school is already competing at that higher level in that sport or activity, or if it has finished with an average in the top 15 percent of its classification in that sport during the past three seasons.

Application does not guarantee approval. Once a school is placed in a higher classification, it must remain there for that sport or activity for the full duration of the established two-year alignment. In the general alignment, schools will remain in their assigned classification and region during region competition. However, the school will compete in the higher classification for postseason competition.

Under the system used in the previous realignment, Wasatch joined Region 3 for swimming only and Jordan joined the league for baseball only. Both of these schools had a definite impact on the course of competition last school year.

The way the process turned out last time, there was a large disparity between the sizes of the classifications. There are 17 schools in Class 6A but twice that number, 34, in Class 4A and 29 in Class 5A now. These three classes include most schools in the more urban areas of the state.

For the next cycle, the Trustees have decided that the minimum number of schools in each general classification as well as each football classification will be 21 for Classes 6A, 5A and 4A, and a minimum of eight for the smaller-school classifications.

This will likely mean that some schools which successfully petitioned to move down in classification in the last cycle will be relocated to the competition level they previously escaped.

Since Class 6A is going to add a minimum of four more schools, there are likely to be changes in Region 3 for our local institutions as well. It has been very challenging to fill schedules with only four schools to play in league competition.

The size of classifications matters for an additional reason now. Starting in the present school year, only 16 schools per classification will advance to the state tournaments, eliminating the preliminary rounds that used to allow more schools to participate in post-season play.

For the moment, the RPI index will be the determining factor, but other formulas are under consideration for future use.

The timeline for the 2027-29 realignment cycle starts with a first meeting on November 19 when the initial classification placement of all schools based on the new CRI will be presented.

In the second meeting on December 1, schools may apply for a higher classification in a specific sport or activity, and geographic adjustments will be considered. In addition, there will be a second consideration of classification placement and a first consideration of region assignments.

A week later, on December 8, there will be a Zoom public hearing at 6:30 p.m. followed by a second consideration of assigned regions the next morning (Dec. 9) at 9 a.m.

Final placements are scheduled to be announced on December 17. However, last year some appeals were made after this date, and the resulting adjustments had Region 1 and Region 3 ending up with just five schools each while Region 2 had seven.

The American Fork Citizen will continue to follow all the developments as the realignment process continues.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork High School girls tennis team won the North bracket of the Utah Valley Ashton Invitational tennis tournament on August 14 and 15 at various locations in north Utah County.

This tournament includes four singles and three doubles positions. The Cavemen played at home for the duration and started the event against Provo, sweeping the match 7-0. However, they then fell to a strong Deer Creek squad 5-2.

American Fork went on to top Woods Cross 4-3 to reach the North bracket final against Green Canyon, and they won that match 4-3 as well for a strong finish.

“It was an excellent tournament with great competition,” said Coach Jason Herrud. “We have a group of girls that are all playing in different positions than last season, so we have a lot of growing and learning to be excited about.

“The Ashton tournament is an excellent test since many of the best teams in the state get to compete regardless of the classification,” he added. “Our region is stacked this year once again and it’s going to be a fun ride going against the best week in and week out.”

The Cavemen mixed up their customary lineup against the Wolves to experience some different perspectives as they played.

In the No. 1 Singles match, senior Rylee Egbert fell to Sophie Anderson 4-1, 4-1. At Second Singles, senior Claire Corbridge worked hard to defeat Evelyn Wilkinson 4-3 (4), 1-4, 10-8.

Green Canyon’s Carly Huish won the No. 3 Singles match over senior Bentley Christensen 4-1, 4-0. However, in Fourth Singles, senior Lacey Ernst got American Fork’s second win with a 4-3 (6), 4-0 victory over Amelia Wilkinson.

In No. 1 Doubles, seniors Demi Dalton and Ella Harris battled against Nora Wash and Ruby Warn, winning the second set but ultimately bowing out 4-1, 2-4, 10-5.

The Cavemen claimed the remaining two doubles bouts to prevail in the match. In the No. 2 pairing, seniors Halie Andrews and Macy Murdoch swept Addie Jenson and Ellie Jones 4-1, 4-0.

At Third Doubles, sophomores Lyla Wood and Eva Littlefield had to work a little harder but triumphed 4-2, 4-3 (3) over Piper May and Sofia Raymond.

Beky Beaton / American Fork Citizen

The American Fork boys golf team came in fourth at the first Region 3 tournament on Monday (Aug. 17) at the Mountain Dell Canyon Course in Parley’s Canyon east of Salt Lake City.

To no one’s surprise, Lone Peak won the event with a 282, but Lehi wasn’t far behind at 287 and surprised Corner Canyon at 290. American Fork tallied a 302 to just edge Skyridge at 303.

Junior Sam Fairbanks and Sam Bitner each shot a 74 to post the best results for the Cavemen at this event. Junior Landon Lieu was right behind them with 75, and junior Cade Henneman completing the counted scores with a tally of 79.

The other varsity participants included junior Cash Van Buren and senior Wes Brown, each with 80 strokes, plus senior Chad Douglass at 83 and junior Ben Davis at 85.

Sophomore James Smith was the low scorer for the JV squad with a 78. He was followed by freshman Jude Price at 80, sophomore Jett Miller at 83 and freshman Colt Garner with an 84 to provide the team tally of 325.

Additional golfers included junior Cutter Garner and Brayden Stolk with 85 apiece, senior Hawk Rosenvall at 90 and Tate Marsing with a 92.

The next Region 3 tournament is scheduled for Wednesday (Aug. 26) at the River Oaks Golf Course in Sandy.

NOAH BEHM

GRADE: 12

SPORT: Football

POSITIONS: Wide Receiver, Defensive Back

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS:

In the Pleasant Grove game on Aug. 14, Noah had one reception for a 51-yard touchdown, one assisted and three solo tackles for four combined, plus one Interception returned 80 yards for another touchdown.

EDITOR’S COMMENTS:

It’s a rare thing for any football player to score both an offensive and a defensive touchdown in the same game, but Noah did just that against the Vikings in impressive fashion, racing ahead of his pursuers in both cases for huge yardage on the way to providing critical points for his team in their come-from-behind victory.

– Beky Beaton

Sponsored by Axio Wealth Management.

DALIN AFU

GRADE: 12

SPORT: Football

POSITION: Defensive Lineman

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS:

In the Pleasant Grove game on Aug. 14, Dalin recorded two solo and three assisted tackles, two sacks, two tackles for loss, and one forced fumble which he also recovered and returned for a 10-yard touchdown.

EDITOR’S COMMENTS:

Dalin kept pressure on the Pleasant Grove offense all night in whatever way he could, making plays which resulted in negative yardage for the Vikings. He also ended a drive which was nearing the goal line by forcing a fumble, then alertly picking up the ball and diving across that line for the score to help lift his team to victory.

– Beky Beaton

Sponsored by Axio Wealth Management.