This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Bingham became the most dominant 5A football team in Utah in the last decade by using a system.
And coach Dave Peck's masterwork was on full display Friday, as the Miners won their fifth state title since 2006 and their second in a row by blasting American Fork 20-3.
The system involves a stifling defense, a balanced offense, good kicking and, perhaps most of all, discipline that comes from long offseason workouts in the weight room and a commitment to doing things right.
"I hope everyone took notice how much respect both programs had for each other," said Peck. "There are tons of times when guys are getting lit up and they are helping eating other up on both sides of the ball. I hope the way we play the game has helped spread the word throughout the state you can do it with class and do it the right way."
American Fork was no easy opponent, especially since Bingham senior backup quarterback Ben Boelter was making his first-ever varsity start in relief of the injured Kyle Gearig. The Cavemen came into Rice-Eccles Stadium on an offensive roll, having scored 138 points in three games.
But a Bingham defense led by Daniel Langi, Chase Messervy, Langi Tuifua and Kade Cloward held American Fork to just a third-quarter field goal. The Miners gave up just 12 points in four state tournament games this season.
"We expect zero points every game," said Langi, who showed great respect for the Cavemen offense. "Them scoring three points is pretty surprising because they scored over 100 points in the last couple of games."
American Fork noticed.
"They've got a tough front," said Cavemen tight end Nate Heaps. "They were just blowing everything up. We just couldn't get anything rolling."
Bingham's defense recorded one interception and forced two fumbles. None was bigger than the one late in the second half forced by the Miners' Simote Lokotui as American Fork was driving for a score that would have likely made it 10-7 before half.
"That was huge," said Peck. "They would have gone in with some momentum. But they didn't get it. We came up and made a play."
The offensive star of the game for Bingham was Cameron Smith, who had a state championship-record 37 carries for 191 yards and two touchdowns. The Miners' great kicker, Chayden Johnston, added two field goals.
"I just wanted it really bad," said Smith. "It came down to who wanted it more. I just had to put my head down and try to get into that end zone."
Boelter hit 7 of 14 passes for 133 yards. Most importantly, though, he didn't turn the ball over and wasn't sacked.
Normally, the state title game would end the season. But Bingham will likely be invited to the first annual Burger King State Champion Bowl Series Dec. 27 to play on ESPNU against a Florida state football champion.
As for American Fork's season, Heaps probably said it best.
"We really turned this program around," he said. "Starting my sophomore year, we were 3-7. My junior year, we finished 6-4. This year, we finished 11-3. It was really a big accomplishment for our seniors, flipping this program around."
Twitter: @tribtomwharton —
Bingham 20, American Fork 3
• Bingham's Cameron Smith rushes a state title game-record 37 times for 191 yards and the game's only two touchdowns.
• The Miners' defense gives up just 12 points and one touchdown in four state tournament games.
• Bingham wins its second title in a row and fifth since 2006.