The rivalry between East and Highland is the second longest rivalry in the State of Utah, having competed against each other since 1956. During the past 59 years, this rivalry between the two schools separated by less than 3 miles has grown as both schools have lots of pride in their athletics departments.

MVP

Johnnie Lang
East High

SCHOLAR ATHLETES

Napa Nuusa

East High

Napa is a 3-year starter, a 1st Team All-Region 6 lineman, a team captain and an Eagle Scout. Napa is one of the smartest and best offensive linemen Coach Matich has ever coached. This game marks the 4th year he has started in the long-standing rivalry game, having won 2 of the first 3.
Andrew Gramer

Highland

Andrew embodies the toughness and unselfishness that all coaches want in their players and, especially, their senior captains. A two-way starter and the anchor of the offensive line at center, Gramer rarely comes off the field as one of the best offensive linemen in the state. His leadership by example is impossible to quantify. Two years ago, Gramer lost his father, Kris, unexpectedly. The next day, he was at practice. When told to go home to grieve, but Gramer refused, wanting to spend time with his teammates in the wake of this tragedy. He loves his teammates and will do anything for them. As a student, Gramer proves that offensive lineman are intelligent as he boasts a 3.98 GPA with a schedule littered with AP and Honors courses.

HALL OF FAME

Coach Grant Martin

East High

Martin was the Head Football Coach at East High School for 28 Years. He is the all-time Winningest Football Coach in East High History. Martin won 4 State Titles in Football and a 2 more in Golf. Martin is one of Utah’s most successful, well-known and respected football coaches in our State’s History. Martin passed away in March of 2006. Accepting on Behalf of Grant Martin is his Wife Barbra Martin and Coach Matich’s Mother, and Grant’s Daughter, Torri Matich. – Barbra’s most fond memory of the East/Highland Rivalry was sitting in the stands chanting “WE WANT RAM CHOPS!”
Okusitino Latu Himuli

Highland

Latu played for Highland High School in the Rivalry Series for 4 years. As the captain of the 2009 Highland Rams Football team, Latu was a powerful leader and a great play maker. Latu was a three year starter and highly respected by his fellow players and students. He earned a full ride scholarship to the University of Utah where he played three years. Latu earned a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Utah and is now coaching Defensive Line at Snow College. Latu plans to continue to coach and work with collegiate athletes. His younger brother currently plays for East High.

GAME SUMMARY

The game was played early due to the Utah Education Association holiday weekend and teams had a shortened period of time to get ready for the game. Led by speedy quarterback and Great American Rivalry Series MVP Johnnie Lang and running backs Jaylen Warren and Sione Molisi, the Leopards ran for 471 yards to crush Highland. The team did not complete a pass.

GAME GALLERY