The Orem Tigers triumphed over the Springville Red Devils with a decisive score of 42-7, securing their tenth state championship title in the program’s history. This victory was driven by an outstanding performance from Aisa Galea’i, a senior and University of Utah commit, who showcased his versatility by scoring three touchdowns across offense, defense, and special teams.
Taking place at Rice-Eccles Stadium on March 15, 2024, Galea’i made an immediate impact, starting the game with a remarkable 60-yard touchdown run. He then extended Orem’s lead with a 78-yard interception return for a touchdown, known as a pick-six, bringing the halftime score to 21-0 in favor of Orem. Just after halftime, Galea’i added to the scoreboard with a stunning 96-yard kickoff return, effectively sealing the championship for the Tigers at 28-0.
Orem’s head coach, Lance Reynolds, praised Galea’i’s multifaceted abilities, stating, “He can do anything we ask him to do. He runs it, catches it, returns it, and he’s great on defense; he’s just electric. Every time he touches the ball, something big can happen.”
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Galea’i expressed his joy, saying, “I’m just really happy. To score in every phase and do it with my brothers means a lot. I just wanted to show I could trust them and they could trust me.” When asked about playing at the prestigious Rice-Eccles Stadium, he noted, “It was really cool to maybe get used to the field.”
This championship win comes as a redemption for Orem after their exit in the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs the previous year. Coach Reynolds emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, recounting a lesson from earlier in the season when they had let a significant lead slip away. “We didn’t want that again. I was proud of how we kept pushing,” he remarked.
Reynolds classified the championship run as one of the “most difficult, turbulent seasons” he has coached, commending his staff and players for their resilience. “I couldn’t be prouder,” he added, highlighting the team’s ability to control the game from the trenches and prevent Springville from scoring in the first half.
Orem’s combination of skill, strategy, and determination culminated in a memorable championship victory, further solidifying the team’s legacy in Utah high school football.
