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Herriman • After losing to Bingham early in the season and then being blanked by Pleasant Grove last week, it might have been easy to write off defending Class 5A state champion Herriman.

But the Mustangs made a statement on Friday night by dominating a good American Fork team 30-10 in a key Region 4 matchup.

Herriman coach Dustin Pearce said wherever he has coached, his teams typically start slow but get better as the season progresses.

"I've told the kids all year that we were on the verge of exploding," said Pearce. "It was a matter of kids buying into each other. That's what we did tonight."

The game featured a combination of stifling defense, strong running and a breakout performance by lanky 6-foot-7 sophomore quarterback Blake Freeland, who impressed in only his second career start.

"As sophomore who was put in that situation, he rose to the occasion," said Pearce.

The Mustangs also got a nice rushing game from Maea Leakehe, a quick junior running back who scored on touchdown runs of 17 and 1 yards. Asked if this was his team's best offensive performance, Leakehe smiled.

"We will get better," said. "That's just a taste."

Herriman dominated early, roaring to a 16-0 halftime lead on Leakehe's 1-yard run, a safety and a 3-yard Freeland to Anthony Perschon touchdown pass. A late interception in the end zone by Mustang defender Noah Vaea stopped any momentum the Cavemen might have generated.

Another scoring run by Leakehe, followed by a 14-yard run by Colby Stephenson, gave Herriman a 30-3 lead in the second half. That more than made up for a late Bronson Barron to Farrell Dean 6-yard touchdown that gave American Fork its only touchdown.

Remember that Herriman went into last year's Class 5A state tournament as the second-place Region Four team, a position the Mustangs look like they might earn again this year.

The way Herriman played Friday, opponents should ignore the Mustangs at their own peril.

Twitter @tribtomwharton —

Storylines

R Defending 5A champion Herriman plays its best offensive game of the season behind sophomore QB Blake Freeland.

• Maea Leakehe scores two rushing touchdowns for Herriman, which dominated time of possession.

• Noah Vaea ends the first half with an interception in the end zone to prevent American Fork from gaining any momentum.