Facing the Green Canyon Wolves, the Mustangs dominated in a 33-0 shutout at Rice Eccles Stadium.
Out of the gate, Crimson Cliffs displayed their high-octane offense, scoring on a 73-yard bomb from quarterback Steele Barben to receiver Tyler West on the opening play of the game.
The Mustangs never looked back — and hardly gave up an inch — from there.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs quarterback Steele Barton scrambles on a play during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs running back McCord Christiansen catches a reception during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs wide receiver Tyler West catches the first play of the game for a touchdown during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs students cheer during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Green Canyon wide receiver Bryson Pabst, center, brings down a catch during the 4A high school football championship game against Crimson Cliffs at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Green
Canyon quarterback Payton Wilson (1) attempts a throw during the 4A high school football championship game against Crimson Cliffs at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs wide receiver Luke Childs catches a pass for a touchdown during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs head coach Wayne Alofipo celebrates with players after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs linebacker McKay Wright (34) celebrates after recording a safety during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs quarterback Steele Barton celebrates with teammates after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs defensive end Scott Nisson is taken off the field by a stretcher during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs quarterback Darius Strickland (8) celebrates after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs celebrates after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs celebrates after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs celebrates after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs players hold the helmet of Scott Nisson, who was injured during the game, after winning the 4A high school football championship against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs head coach Wayne Alofipo celebrates with players after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
The Crimson Cliffs senior-heavy defense had a total of three sacks, one interception, and one fumble recovery.
Mustangs head coach Wayne Alofipo says he saw this type of performance coming.
“To have 10 seniors, you would expect that type of performance. We knew it was going to be a defensive battle,” he said. “Just super proud of these young men, these leaders.”
Barben finished the game with 290 yards passing and three touchdowns, two of them to West. The senior quarterback gave credit to the Mustangs’ coaching staff for the dominant performance and the impressive development of the Crimson Cliffs football program.
“Give Coach Wayne and the coaching staff all the credit,” the quarterback said. “They’re such great men and great leaders for this team. We love them.”
It took the new school in Washington County just five years to win its first state title. But Alofipo said wants people to know that Crimson Cliffs is here to stay.
“Last year we lost the state championship to Desert Hills. And this year, being able to cap it off, I think we’ve seen our community really buy into what we’re trying to do,” he said. “Crimson Cliffs is finally on the map.”
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs head coach Wayne Alofipo celebrates with players after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs wide receiver Luke Childs catches a pass for a touchdown during the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
(Chris Samuels | The Salt Lake Tribune) Crimson Cliffs quarterback Darius Strickland (8) celebrates after winning the 4A high school football championship game against Green Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium, Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.
