Though the kickoff between Provo and Salem Hills was delayed over a half-hour, one could hardly find a better reason for it.

Dozens of veterans were honored before the game in a procession. The marching bands and cheerleaders of both schools formed a wall and then each veteran was escorted through it flanked by two players from both teams locked arm and arm.

Then the fans were treated to a special performance of “God Save the USA” by Jennifer Hart, who wrote this song shortly after the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Though there were some technical issues with the microphone during the first part of the performance, Hart kept going like a true professional receiving a rousing ovation from those in attendance. Hart, who was Miss Arizona and competed in the 2013 Miss America pageant, has had over 53 million views on YouTube for this and other songs in her country music career.

David Palmer, a veteran of the Vietnam War and Purple Heart recipient, was recognized for his bravery. His actions that led to his injury saved the lives of members of his platoon. Palmer is a longtime resident of Salem.

Brian E. Preece, Herald correspondent

Governor Spencer Cox attended the event as did the mayors of both cities. Before kickoff, the bands from both schools performed the Star-Spangled Banner, then gathered together in the south end zone and played throughout the game.

The Skyhawk players had patriotic red, white and blue socks and gloves and a good share of the Salem Hills students were decked out in patriotic colors.

For the last five years Salem Hills head coach Jeff Higginson has done similar tributes for the veterans and earned the praise of Salem Hills lead principal Ryan McGuire.

“This is the tenth year of our veteran’s night,” McGuire said. “It started when Coach Higginson was an assistant coach and he wanted to do something to honor the veterans. It is fun to see the tears and some of the special moments that are happening.”

Nebo Superintendent Rick Nielsen added his full endorsement.

Brian E. Preece, Herald correspondent

“Salem Hills has this great tradition of honoring our veterans once a year,” said Nielsen. “It’s one of the best nights of the year. There is nothing better than honoring our veterans while celebrating our youth. To see the next generation walk out with these amazing veterans is a powerful message.”

Provo won the football game that followed 35-24, but Bulldog head coach also recognized that the events preceding the game were special.

“It was community, it was patriotic, it was Friday night. So cool,” Chambers said.

Thursday Night Lights: KJZZ made a return trip to Utah County for the Uintah vs. Spanish Fork contest won easily by Spanish Fork 56-26.

The Dons scored early and often, running out to a commanding 35-14 lead by halftime. Quarterback McKay Smith accounted for four touchdowns while Don teammates Kaden Vest and Brock Jacobsen scored three touchdowns each. The game opened up Region 8 play and both teams are 3-1 overall as the Dons handed the Utes their first loss of the 2024 campaign.

Brian E. Preece, Herald correspondent

Another pick six for Lone Peak: No other team is as adept of returning interceptions for touchdowns then Lone Peak. They had a state record four in a win last year and Jordan Mayberry got his second of this season as Lone Peak routed Mountain Ridge, 38-13.

Mountain View downs Payson to win third game in a row: Mountain View is 3-1 on the season, 1-0 in Region 8 play after defeating Payson 41-13.

The Bruins are a remarkable story in many senses with just 44 players in their entire program grades 10 through 12. A good chunk of their players have to play offense, defense along with special teams.

The game with the Lions was close initially with Mountain View leading 14-13 at halftime before the Bruins took control. Dexton Havea has been a workhorse for Mountain View and scored two more touchdowns this game running the ball. Beau Peterson added a pick six. Mountain View’s defense has been stellar this season allowing just 43 points and just 22 in the last three contests, all Bruin victories.

Timpanogos shows off run game: Timpanogos is generally known for its high-octane aerial attack but in this game Hudson Woodbury scored twice on the ground to go with a TD reception. Quarterback Andrew Hillstead ran for one touchdown as did his back-up Logan Holloway. Hillstead threw for three touchdowns as well. Timpanogos has gone over 40 points in all three of its victories and even scored 33 in its loss to Park City.

Statistical Superlatives: Max Harris only had 13 carries but he made them count for 180 yards and a touchdown as Springville (3-1) crushed Cyprus (0-4), 42-14.

Lewis Knecht hit two field goals and Will Meine had two touchdowns receiving as American Fork (2-2) won a hard-fought contest with Riverton (1-3) to please the home faithful.

Tayden Ka’awa threw for five touchdowns and ran in another as Orem (4-0) blitzed West Jordan (1-3), 56-17. Kaue Akana had another busy night for the Tigers kicking eight extra points and hauling in two touchdown passes as the Tigers remain undefeated.

Oliver (Ollie) McKay rushed for 171 yards on 30 carries with three scores as Provo (1-2) outlasted Salem Hills (2-2), 35-24. Salem Hills quarterback Jedi Nelson ran for two scores and passed for another in a losing effort.

Skyridge (3-1) easily defeated Bingham (1-3) 38-10 as Zaeden Selu ran for two touchdowns. Blake Hester hit all five extra points and added a 31-yard field goal for the Falcons.

Kannon Huntsman had three more touchdowns as ALA (2-2) held on to beat Grand (1-3), 42-41. Huntsman has 11 touchdowns on the season for the Eagles. Nicholas Marble had four touchdown passes while Westley Haston hit all six extra points which proved to be the difference in ALA earning the victory.

Fernando Banuelos kicked three field goals, including a 40-yarder, as Maple Mountain (4-0) remained undefeated beating Pleasant Grove (1-3), 30-7. Derek Morehouse had two touchdowns receiving for the Golden Eagles. Farren Hardy had two picks for the Golden Eagles. Ryder Huntsman did have a 36-yard interception return for a touchdown for the Vikings.

Big Game of the Week No. 1: Skyridge will get their crack at Corner Canyon when the Falcons host the returning 6A state champions. The Chargers beat Skyridge for the title last year and it wouldn’t be out of the question for the two programs to meet for the third straight year to decide things. It’s a non-league contest but earning the psychological edge does have its importance. This game will be broadcast on KJZZ Friday Night Rivals.

Big Game of the Week No. 2: It has been a rough couple of weeks for Timpview football. Actions of their supporters led to their game with rival Provo being canceled and then the Thunderbirds lost to Centennial out of Corona, California 56-20 after being down at halftime 42-0.

Timpview (1-2) will want to show they are still the alpha dog of 5A when they host Springville, who pin their hopes that their bruising running game can help them earn the upset.

Big Game of the Week No. 3: Don’t look now but Mountain View and Spanish Fork will be fighting for at least a share of first place in Region 8. Yes, it’s early in the league schedule but those Bruin crazies will go wild if Mountain View can pull the upset against the Dons.

Extra points: In an interesting scheduling twist, Centennial, Calif., will host a Utah County team for the second straight week as Lone Peak makes the trip to southern California. The Huskies routed Timpview 56-20 last Friday so the Knights better bring their “A” game or they risk a similar fate … In one of the weirdest plays of the year, Mountain View quarterback Hyrum Stafford handed the ball off to his running back Dexton Havea who was met hard at the line of scrimmage by a bevy of Payson defenders. The ball was fumbled but rolled gently right back to Stafford who then ran around the left side for a 25-yard touchdown … Providence Hall and Ben Lomond are painfully bad this year. In their first four games, neither team has scored a point. Providence Hall has given up 213 points or just over 54 points a game. Ben Lomond plays a bit better on defense allowing 44 points per contest … Davis became the first team in the state to break 80 points when the Darts destroyed Kearns 80-0. It was a nightmare for the Cougars as they gave 42 points in the first quarter alone and trailed 59-0 at halftime … 3A Richfield extended its state-leading winning streak to 17 games as the Wildcats easily defeated Delta 47-14 … Utah County had a very good week against out-of-valley competition going 8-3 and running its overall record to 34-19.