Mired in what you could say was a defensive struggle throughout the first quarter, the Thunder found themselves in a fourth-and-goal situation from the Viking 2-yard line. Deciding to go for it, Ale’s team was flagged for an illegal procedure penalty that set them back to the seven yard line with most everyone assuming a field goal try was on the way to break the scoreless tie.

But Ale opted against it, preferring to put his offensive unit back out there, believing his players were about to hit their stride.

“We always have a scorer’s mentality, but our defense was giving us a green light with how well they were playing,” Ale said. “So we just decided to go for it.”

Ale’s mentality and subsequent decision turned out to be exactly what his lagging offense needed.

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

Westlake qaurterback Bosten Fountaine promptly hit Slone Su’a with a seven-yard touchdown pass for the game’s first score, which was followed up with another scoring toss to Su’a the very next possession, this time from 10 yards out for a 14-0 lead at the outset of the second quarter. Not satisfied, Fountaine and the Westlake offense capitalized on a turnover forced deep inside Viking territory with running back Kylan Xoumphonphackdy plunging into the endzone from two yards out to build a 21-0 lead at halftime.

“I have complete trust in my receivers to get it done, and that’s the attitude with our entire team this year,” Fountaine said. “Once we got that first touchdown, that’s when the momentum started to shift and we just sort of rolled from there.”

“We know we have the guys to get it done on offense,” Ale added. “So we just encouraged our players to settle down, keep their composure and that it would work out, and it certainly did.”

One guy that certainly got it done for the Thunder was receiver Malik Sika, who torched the Viking secondary all night, accounting for touchdown receptions of 86 and 75 yards. Only a junior, Sika starred for the Thunder on the hardwood before coaches convinced him to take the gridiron, which has paid off big so far this season.

“The kid hasn’t played football since ninth grade, but we were able to get him out there this year, and he’s a baller,” Fountaine said of Sika. “Coaches convinced him, but I think when I decided to come here it helped the decision and we’ve been building a great connection.”

For Fountaine, he transferred over from Skyridge in the offseason, hoping to forge something great for the Saratoga Spring community.

“I didn’t get my opportunity at Skyridge, but I found a home at Westlake,” Fountaine said. “Now I’m here and we’re going to show the state what Westlake football is all about.”

The message told on Friday was a loud one, with Fountaine riddling the Viking defense for five touchdown passes and over 400 yards passing.

“The ceiling for this offense is the sky,” Ale said. “Defensively I’m very proud of what’s been going on and this is a new Westlake. It’s a new culture, a new attitude and we feel some great things are coming for this team. The kids are bought in and everyone is very excited for our potential, and you saw a lot what we can do tonight, although we can definitely still improve.”

Indeed Friday night saw the stands overflowing with fans and students, all of whom remained boisterous throughout as Fountaine and his teammates put on a great show. All of it was exactly what Fountaine imagined when he made the difficult decision to transfer for his senior season.

Brandon Gurney, Provo Daily Herald

“It was tough at first,” he said. “But we worked really hard in the offseason, got to know one another and tonight it sort of came together like we knew it could. Tonight was a good night.”

With the win Westlake improves to 2-0 on the season and will next take on Bingham. Pleasant Grove falls to 0-2 with the loss and will look to rebound when taking on Green Canyon at home.

Westlake's Coach Arnold Ale

Westlake vs Pleasant Grove was a defensive struggle throughout much of the first half

Westlake running back Kylan Xoumphonphackdy

Westlake's Mali Sika celebrates following his second touchdown reception during his team's 45-19 win over Pleasant Grove

Westlake Coach Aaron Ale instructs his quarterback Boston Fountaine

Westlake's Malik Sika had an enormous effort in the Thunder's 45-19 win over Pleasant Grove

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

Email(Required)

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)(Required)

Daily Newsletter

Breaking News

Obituaries

Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?(Required)

Yes

No