American Fork’s undefeated record spoiled by Davis, Tradon Bessinger
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- Tradon Bessinger of Davis prepares to throw a pass against American Fork in a high school football game on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
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- American Fork’s Daian Wilkinson returns a punt against Davis in a high school football game on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
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- American Fork’s Dalin Afu (61) tackles Makaio Byrd of Davis in a high school football game on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
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- The American Fork football team enters the field before the start of a game against Davis on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
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- American Fork students react during a high school football game against Davis on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
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- American Fork’s Madden Jensen (28) and Kapono Manuela listen to an official before the coin flip in a high school football game against Davis on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.
American Fork proved itself a formidable opponent in the first half of the season by beating West and Timpview on its way to a 5-0 record.
But the Cavemen learned Friday they will need to play at a higher level if they are to win against 6A’s other top teams.
American Fork’s perfect season was spoiled on homecoming night in a 29-15 loss to Davis, in a game where Dart quarterback Tradon Bessinger dazzled and the Cavemen’s offense sputtered.
“This is why we say we love challenges, because football seasons are about challenges,” American Fork coach Aaron Behm said. “When you play in this region, when you schedule teams like Davis, that’s why you put them on the schedule — to see what you’re made of — and now it’s our chance to see where we’re at.”
Bessinger carved up the Cavemen defense with 390 yards and four touchdown passes. The Boise State commit appeared comfortable making the quick read to the open man, and when the Cavemen brought pressure, he was difficult to bring down.
“Bessinger played great,” Behm said. “He got rid of the ball really quick. He was good at reading the defense and getting to the ball to his playmakers, I think is the biggest thing. When he got the ball to (Bode Sparrow) and (Jaxton Itaaehau) and (Makaio Byrd) they did good things with the football.”
American Fork tried to counter offensively by asserting its rushing attack with Prince Afu and Madden Jensen, but the Cavemen struggled to pick up chunk yards and move the chains via the ground, and punted four times.
Most of its offensive success came via the air, as Kapono Manuela threw touchdown passes to Dyson Richards and David Dean.
“Obviously, we want to come out and stay on the field,” Behm said. “I think our first two drives were three-and-outs, so staying on the field more helps our defense. (We want to) get points on the board a little sooner.”
Davis scored on the game’s opening drive on a 17-yard touchdown from Bessinger to Sparrow, followed by a 31-yard field goal to lead 10-0.
American Fork fought back on its third drive with a fourth-down conversion and a three-yard touchdown from Kapono Manuela to Dyson Richards, but Davis immediately responded with a six-play touchdown drive capped by Sparrow’s second touchdown reception.
Davis put the game out of reach in the third quarter when Bessinger evaded a sack and threw a 23-yard touchdown to Itaaehau, then capped an eight-play drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to Tyson Baggett to extend the lead to 29-7.
The Cavemen finished the game strong, though, with a 41-yard touchdown from Manuela to David Dean, while holding Davis scoreless in the fourth quarter.
That late-game effort was something American Fork can build on as it prepares for another big home game next Friday against Lone Peak.
“I just love that they kept fighting,” Behm said. “Could have been easy when we got down two or three scores to kind of back off and think it’s over, but I didn’t see any of that.”
DAVIS 29, AMERICAN FORK 15
Davis 10 7 12 0 – 29
American Fork 0 7 8 0 – 15
D-Sparrow 17 pass from Bessinger (Jolley kick)
D-Jolley 31 FG
AF-Richards 3 pass from Manuela (Worthington kick)
D-Sparrow 20 pass from Bessinger (Jolley kick)
D-Itaaheau 23 pass from Bessinger (run failed)
D-Baggett 3 pass from Bessinger (kick failed)
AF-Dean 41 pass from Manuela (P. Afu run)
