Alta Hawks edge Bingham Miners 13-12 to extend rivalry dominance
A late touchdown by transfer quarterback Xavier Cocci secured Alta’s second consecutive victory over Bingham, capping a game defined by defensive standouts and special teams errors.
The Alta Hawks have cemented their hold on a resurgent local rivalry, defeating the Bingham Miners 13-12 on Thursday night. The result marks the Hawks’ second consecutive victory in the series, following a 23-13 win in the previous season’s matchup. The close scoreline underscores the competitive balance that has returned to the contest, with both teams trading control throughout the game.
Bingham held the advantage for the majority of the contest, driven by a defensive performance that stifled Alta’s early offensive efforts. The Hawks struggled to gain traction, resulting in multiple three-and-out sequences during the first half. Despite a promising drive in the late second quarter, Alta quarterback Xavier Cocci was intercepted by Bingham’s Tali Lautaha, keeping the Miners in command.
The game’s trajectory shifted significantly due to Bingham’s inability to convert defensive dominance into points. The Miners entered the third quarter with a 12-0 lead, a margin that remained static due to two missed point-after-touchdown attempts and two failed field goal tries. These special teams errors allowed Alta to remain within striking distance, setting the stage for a late-game comeback.
Alta’s momentum shifted after safety Lucas Pagel intercepted a Bingham pass, moving the Hawks’ offense into a favourable position on the Miners’ own 12-yard line. Treven Cooke subsequently scored a touchdown, but a blocked extra point attempt left Alta trailing 12-6 heading into the final quarter. Bingham subsequently missed a field goal, providing Alta with the final opportunity to seize the lead.
Cocci, a transfer from Skyline, led the decisive drive with 2:10 remaining on the clock. He connected with receivers on open lanes to secure a touchdown, followed by the game’s first successful point-after-touchdown attempt. The score settled at 13-12, a result that highlighted the critical role of execution in the final minutes.
Cocci, who posted 3,803 passing yards and a 69 per cent completion rate in his junior year, acknowledged the support of teammates Lisiate Fevaleaki and Breck Warren in maintaining his confidence. The Hawks’ victory reinforces the narrative that this rivalry is firmly established, with both programs demonstrating the depth and resilience required for a sustained competitive series.
