Highland leads this rivalry over East 32-24 heading into their 57th battle, but the Leopards have taken the last three meetings. They’ve clashed every year since Highland opened in 1957 except for a four-year span from 1993-96.

MVP

John Hunter

Highland

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Thomas Pembroke

Highland

Thomas has been a three-year starter for Highland and is the team’s starting fullback and strong safety. No player embodies the spirit of hard work and toughness more than he does. Thomas is active in the community and, as the HAM President at Highland, is a leader among his peers. His 3.93 GPA has come on the heels of many AP and honors classes, as he is not afraid to challenge himself both athletically and academically.

Christian Folau

East High

Christian is a 3 year starter and has received First team All Region and 1st Team All State honors. He carries a 3.7 GPA and is the student body president. Christian has committed to play football at Stanford next year.

HALL OF FAME

Nate Orchard

Highland

Nate – known as Nate Fakahafua during high school – put Highland on his back in 2010 Rivalry game against East. In a game the Rams had to win to make the playoffs, Nate finished with 165 yards receiving (including a touchdown catch in which he ripped the ball away from two defenders in the back corner of the end zone), 4 sacks, 15 tackles, and an interception, leading the Rams to a 42-14 victory over the Leopards. Using the momentum from that game, the Rams reeled off four straight victories in the playoffs to capture the team’s first state title in 24 years. Nate is unable to attend tonight as he is currently playing for the University of Utah. Accepting the award for Nate is his wife, Meagan.

Craig McQueen

East High

Craig played for legendary Coach Grant Martin on the undefeated state championship teams of 1955-56. He scored the game winning touchdown in the championship game in 1956. He has been the team physician for the University of Utah as well as the Highland Rugby, Salt Lake Trappers, Bees and Buzz. He has also been the medical director for the Park City Ski Patrol for 40 years.

GAME SUMMARY

East scored first with a field goal and then Highland answered back with a field goal of it’s own. The score remained tied until the middle of the 4th quarter. With 5 minutes to go, Highland quarterback and MVP John Hunter broke away for the touchdown to put the Rams ahead. East had two more opportunities to score but fell short on both. Fans rush the field and fireworks erupted as Highland added one more victory to it’s rivalry total over East. Final score 10-3.