Rigby overcomes slow start, earns road win over Rams

POCATELLO — The Highland Rams and Rigby Trojans battled in a close contest Friday night, with Rigby coming away with a hard-fought 21-18 victory.

Highland struck first in the opening quarter when Bridger Hanks connected on a field goal, giving the Rams a 3-0 lead with 8:07 remaining.

After Highland blocked a Rigby field goal attempt on the opening play of the second quarter, Highland’s Cedric Mitchell broke loose for a 55-yard touchdown run, extending the Rams’ lead to 10-0 with 11:41 remaining in the first half.

Rigby answered with a 1-yard touchdown run by Kue Kofe, cutting Highland’s lead to 10-7 with 5:35 left before halftime. The Trojans then took their first lead of the night on a touchdown pass with just 4.3 seconds remaining in the second quarter, heading into the locker room ahead 14-10.

The second half opened the two teams exchanging interceptions on their first possessions. Rigby eventually extended its lead when quarterback Evan Freeman found the end zone on a touchdown run, putting Rigby ahead 21-10 with 4:15 remaining in the third quarter.

Highland refused to go away, as Mitchell powered into the end zone from one yard out for his second touchdown of the night. The Rams followed with a successful two-point conversion run by their quarterback, Jacob Vincent, cutting Rigby’s lead to 21-18 with 5:22 remaining in the game.

Despite Highland’s comeback effort, Rigby held on for the victory.