The Orem Tigers secured their tenth state championship by decisively defeating the Springville Red-Devils 42-7 in the 5A title game on March 15, 2024. The standout performance came from senior Aisa Galea’i, who scored three touchdowns across all phases of the game, showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
Galea’i, a University of Utah commit, made an immediate impact, opening the scoring with a remarkable 60-yard touchdown run. He then intercepted a pass and returned it 78 yards for a touchdown, propelling Orem to a commanding 21-0 lead at halftime. Just after the break, he added a stunning 96-yard kickoff return, extending the Tigers’ lead to 28-0 and effectively clinching the championship.
Orem’s head coach, Lance Reynolds, praised Galea’i’s exceptional 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.” Galea’i expressed his joy after the game, emphasizing the significance of scoring in every phase and celebrating the victory with his teammates. “I’m just really happy. To score in every phase and do it with my brothers, it means a lot,” he said.
The championship victory marked a stark contrast from the previous year when Orem was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 5A playoffs. Reynolds acknowledged the team’s growth and resilience throughout the season, describing it as one of the most challenging he has coached. He reminded his players at halftime of the importance of maintaining their intensity, saying, “We didn’t want that again. I was proud of how we kept pushing.”
Orem’s defense was equally impressive, preventing the Red-Devils from scoring in the first half. The Tigers controlled the game from the outset, with Galea’i at the forefront of their efforts. Reynolds commended his players and coaching staff for their determination throughout a turbulent season, concluding, “I couldn’t be prouder.”
As the Orem Tigers celebrated their championship win at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the team looked forward to building on this success in future seasons. The spotlight on Galea’i, both as a player and a leader, promises an exciting trajectory as he prepares for his collegiate career at the University of Utah.
