Region 9 football: 4A state champion Crimson Cliffs continues to build legacy program

ST. GEORGE — Crimson Cliffs High School has come a long way in five years, going from a brand new school without a football team all the way to the 4A state title last November.

While returning only four starters from that team this year, the Mustangs have 38 seniors on their roster who are all chomping at the bit to get on the field.

Senior running back McCord Christiansen has been with the Mustangs for every step of their journey to the top of 4A.

“It’s amazing to be part of this program. I love it every day and I’m excited to go to practice,” Christiansen told St. George News after practice Wednesday night in Washington Fields.

“Really I can only give credit to the seniors before us,” he added. “They were great leaders and they helped all the younger kids be where they are now. I’m not worried at all how young they are.”

Crimson Cliffs Mustangs practice in preparation for Week 1 opponent Morgan, Washington, Utah, Aug. 14, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

Perhaps the biggest spot to fill this year is the quarterback position, held by Steele Barben the past two seasons.

After winning the state championship last year, Barben went on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is expected to play at Utah Tech when he returns in two years.

Sophomore Gunner Higgins and senior Ryder Sherratt are competing for the QB1 spot.

With uncertainty under center, the Mustangs will rely even more upon Christiansen and the running game as the season gets underway at Morgan on Friday night.

“I would say I do,” Christiansen said when asked if he feels a lot of pressure. “But I know that I have a lot of faith in my receivers and quarterback. I know they’re doing what they need to do and I’m just really excited to play with the team.”

Offensive coordinator Andy Stokes, in his second year working under head coach Wayne Alofipo, knows how important the running game will be for Crimson this year.

“McCord is the heart and soul of our offense right now and probably will be all year,” Stokes said. “We knew that coming in — that he was going to be that guy.”

Crimson Cliffs offensive coordinator Andy Stokes at a practice, Washington, Utah, Aug. 14, 2024 | Photo by E. George Goold, St. George News

Stokes was quick to point out that the Mustangs have four new starters on the offensive line.

“So that’s a big deal too. We got to get those guys all on the same page, and we’ve got to rely on our defense,” he said. “Our defense is playing awesome right now.”

Senior McKay Wright returns to start on defense and will be the foundation of coach Alofipo’s 3-4 scheme. Wright is the only returning starter for the Mustangs on that side of the ball.

Like last year, Stokes expects the senior class of Mustangs to lead on and off the field.

“We love our seniors this year and they’re going to do a great job for us,” Stokes said. “Their leadership has been on point. It’s just a matter of getting everybody meshed up. It takes a little while.”

The Mustangs launch their title defense Friday night on the road in Morgan. Last season in Week 1 Crimson beat the Trojans 35-15 in a home game the Mustangs trailed 8-7 after the first quarter.

“A really well-coached team, a really well-rounded program,” Stokes said. “It’s a long trip, six hours up there and a grass field. It will be a tough game.”

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