The Orem Tigers claimed their tenth state championship on September 28, 2023, with a dominant 42-7 victory over the Springville Red Devils at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The standout performance came from senior Aisa Galea’i, who showcased his versatility by scoring touchdowns on offense, defense, and special teams.
Galea’i ignited the game with a remarkable 60-yard touchdown run, setting the tone early for Orem. He then added a pivotal 78-yard interception return for a touchdown, giving the Tigers a commanding 21-0 lead at halftime. Just after the break, Galea’i struck again with a stunning 96-yard kickoff return, effectively sealing his team’s victory and the championship title.
Orem’s head coach, Lance Reynolds, praised Galea’i’s all-around skill set. “He can do anything we ask him to do,” Reynolds stated. “He runs it, catches it, returns it, and he’s great on defense; he’s just electric.” Galea’i himself expressed joy over the experience, saying, “To score in every phase and do it with my brothers, it means a lot.”
This championship victory is particularly significant following a disappointing quarterfinal exit in the previous year’s playoffs. Reflecting on the past season, Reynolds reminded his team at halftime not to repeat earlier mistakes. “We were up big earlier this year and took our foot off the gas,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the game.
The Tigers’ ability to control the line of scrimmage was evident, as they held the Red Devils scoreless in the first half. This dominance, combined with Galea’i’s electrifying performance, led to a resounding championship win.
As the Orem Tigers celebrate this remarkable achievement, the future looks bright, particularly for Galea’i, who has committed to play at the University of Utah. The victory at Rice-Eccles Stadium has set the stage for what many hope will be a series of successful seasons ahead for the Tigers.
