On a cold Halloween weekend night, it was the bruising ground game of the Rams that led Highland to a 34-0 victory over Orem on Friday in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs.

The Rams running game was more of a trick than a treat for the Orem defense.

The Highland fans welcomed the visiting Tigers with a chorus of boos. Their football team welcomed the Tigers with good old-fashioned smash-mouth football led by junior tailback Toi Taufa.

After Taufa started Highland's first possession with an 18-yard run, Ram quarterback Mason Keller fumbled on the next play, but Orem was unable to capitalize on the good field position. That situation played out several times in the first half, as the Tigers recovered another fumble and picked off a pass thrown into triple coverage.

But the Rams red-zone defense stood strong and Orem was forced to settle for long field goal attempts that failed.

A nine-play, 76-yard drive by Highland after one of those missed field goals was capped off by a 1-yard touchdown run by Taufa for a 7-0 Rams lead. Highland scored again on a 70-yard run by senior fullback Sione Fainu for a 14-0 halftime lead.

In the second half, Highland's defense was even more stalwart, shutting down any Orem hopes. Hea Tuifua, Peter Ferrin, and Ono Tafisi led the way defensively for the Rams, holding Orem running back Keenan Karrati and Jeremiah Tiatia in check.

The Rams scored two more times in the third quarter and had another touchdown in the fourth to seal the victory.

Orem 0 0 0 0 -- 0

Highland 7 7 14 6 -- 34

H- Toi Taufa 1 run (Hayes Hicken kick)

H- Sione Fainu 70 run (Hicken kick)

H- Christopher Lloyd 40 run (Hicken kick)

H- Taufa 10 run (Hicken kick)

H- Colby Earl 4 pass from Mason Keller (kick failed)