Eleven future Cougs were in-action on Friday in regular season finales and playoff games in Utah, Arizona, Washington, California, Colorado, and Texas.
Each of the six preps who played their last games of the season played remarkably well.
Junior linebacker Easton Baker had eight tackles in his last game, with two tackles for loss, as Stansbury lost their first game of the season. Arizona linebacker Pierson Watson also had a strong end to his season, finishing with six tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks in his season finale. Both Baker and Watson have been incredibly consistent this year at the linebacker position.
The newest BYU commit, California defensive end David Tangilanu, also had an incredible performance in his final prep game. He led the team with 10 tackles, including four tackles for loss and a sack.
On the offensive side, senior tight end Jackson Bowers did all he could in his final game, finishing with two receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. He was also a beast on defense and finished with three tackles including 2.5 tackles for loss.
Star offensive lineman Ethan Thomason helped his team to the second round of the Colorado state playoffs, but they fell short on Friday thereby ending his prep career.
Finally, Leo Pulalasi continued to do what he has done all season—score! He accounted for all 20 of Lake high school’s points in their 28-20 loss in the Washington 3A state title game. He had one receiving touchdown, two rushing touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. Pulalasi ends the season as the 3A state leader in rushing touchdowns and total points, averaging 18.4 points per contest.
Future Cougs who just played their last game of 2022
The following are the stats for the future Cougs who played their last game of 2022 on Friday:
- Easton Baker (LB) 8 TKL, 2 TFL – Lost in the Utah 5A semifinal round and season is now over
- Jackson Bowers (TE/DE) 2 REC for 31 YDS, TD, 3 TKL, 2.5 TFL – Lost final regular season game and did not qualify for playoffs so season is over
- Leo Pulalasi (ATH) 4 REC, 77 YDS, TD; 13 RUSH, 92 YDS, 2 TD; 2-PT; 4 TKLs – Lost 28-20 in the Washington 3A state title game and season is now over.
- David Tangilanu (DE/OT). 10 TKL, 4 TFL, SACK – lost in first round of California CIF Central Coast sectionals and season is now over
- Ethan Thomason (OL). No stats recorded – lost in the second round of the Colorado 5A playoffs and season is now over
- Pierson Watson (LB) 6 tackles, 2 TFL, 2 sacks – Lost final regular season game and did not qualify for playoffs so season is over
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There are five future Cougs who will compete in at least one more game this football season.
BYU target Isaac Wilson had a difficult game on offense (a rare occurrence for the star QB) so it was up to the Corner Canyon defense to determine the winner of the CC vs. Farmington semifinal game. BYU commit Owen Borg stepped up at the linebacker position and had his best prep game to lead Corner Canyon to the victory. Borg was the semifinal MVP with eight tackles, a sack, and a blocked punt returned for a touchdown.
In the Utah 5A semifinal round it was a similar story as the Timpview defense played their best game of the season to advance to the state title match on Friday. Leading the charge was BYU commit Siale Esera who had his best game of the season with eight tackles, three tackles for loss, a sack, and a blocked field goal.
Borg and Esera will compete in Utah state title games on Friday while receivers Saimone Davis and JoJo Phillips will continue their playoff runs in Texas and California.
Future Cougs who are still competing
- Owen Borg (LB) 8 TKL, 1 SACK, 1 BP returned for TD (semifinal MVP) – will face Skyridge in 6A title game on Friday
- Saimone Davis (ATH) 1 REC for 6 YDS – will face Wylie on Friday in the second round (area finals) of the Texas UIL state championship
- Siale Esera (LB/DE) 8 TKL, 3 TFL, BFG, SACK – will face Lehi Friday in Utah 5A title game
- Pokai Haunga (WR) Did not play (injury) – Timpview will face Lehi at 2:30 on Friday in the Utah 5A state championship game
- Josiah Phillips (WR) 2 REC, 22 YDS – will face Bishop Amat Friday in the California CIF Southern Sectionals semifinal game
If you love our content, please support our sponsors. We can’t produce our show and articles without our sponsors. They are also an official sponsor of the BYU football team. This article is brought to you by Built Bar, built.com. Use “Criddle10” coupon code for 10% off your order.
