Photo by David Kocherhans

Article by Nate Church

The Salt Lake Shred took its customary run onto its home field in Herriman, Utah. While every home game is special for any team, Friday night’s game meant even more. 

The usual blue and black that fills the stands at Zions Bank Stadium was replaced with bright yellow. The Salt Lake Shred and its fans were celebrating Herriman Night, a local community event hosted by the Shred to give thanks to their host city.

Photo by Pete Haraguchi

“None of this happens without the community,” said Shred head coach Bryce Merrill. “Herriman is home to Zions Bank Stadium and it's been our home … The fans provided some awesome support and energy for us.”

Salt Lake and Colorado looked evenly matched to start off the game, but despite its stellar performance last weekend, the Shred defensive line had some struggles. 

However, it was the Shred’s offensive line that gave them the lead to end the first quarter. Colorado found its rhythm quickly to start the game but a turnover kept them from evening the score at the end of the first. 

On paper, the Colorado Apex struggled offensively, but each time the Shred scored, the Apex responded in quick succession. Continuously trailing by two, the Apex kept the Shred on their heels.

The dogged fight between the two teams was not lost on the onlookers. Many players of both teams stood with hands on knees, their sweat dripping down onto the hot turf, refusing to let the other team pull ahead. 

Mired in a muddy second quarter, Shred’s Ben Ashton reignited his team and the crowd with a big-time score. With less than a minute remaining, Ashton streaked towards the end zone and, in a feat of athleticism, leapt above his defender, snagging the disc for the score.

Just before the half the score was tied 10-10. However, a last-second penalty put the Shred in scoring position and a chance to take a huge momentum swing into the locker room.

The seamless throw-and-score from McKay Yorgason to Matt Russnogle had the crowd on their feet as the teams headed into the locker room at the half.

Both teams traded blows coming out of the half. The Apex defensive line continued to play strong, battling with the Shred offense. Each team perfectly outplayed the other and the score reflected it. The third quarter saw four lead changes and four tied scores.

A late goal by Simon Dastrup moved the Shred ahead 15-14, with 18 seconds left in the third quarter. Colorado’s Jeremy Kopf tossed up a huck-and-pray throw with a chance to even the score before the final quarter of play. 

As the disc flew through the air, Apex players piled up for a chance at a big play. Floating down smoothly, the disc landed in the scrum and was knocked away by the Shred.

The crowd erupted, and Salt Lake soon followed up with a score, 16-14.

Salt Lake’s entrance into the fourth quarter was full of energy. It came out with a quick score moving to 17 and stifling two Apex attempts at the end zone. Not giving up, the Apex responded, scoring three goals in five minutes, tying the score 17-17 with under 6 minutes to go in the final quarter.

The desert sun dipped behind the mountains and the Friday night stadium lights illuminated the field as Salt Lake and Colorado traded punches.

The disc flew from end zone to end zone, both teams scoring one after the other. Time wound down as the crowd’s energy turned up a notch.

With 14 seconds left, a penalty against Jordan Kerr moved the Shred into scoring position. Lining up quickly, Kerr threw across his body to M. Yorgason, who landed in the end zone, tying the score at 22 with just nine seconds left.

With the crowd counting down, Colorado’s Aylen Learned threw an 82-yard Hail Mary huck towards the end zone. Rising to their feet, the crowd screamed louder and louder as the disc dropped lower and lower. A mass of Shred and Apex jerseys rose into the air.

The raucous home crowd fell silent as Hunter May of the Colorado Apex fell to the ground, frisbee in hand. The crowd watched on as his teammates rushed the field, celebrating the miracle catch for the win.

Final score: Apex 23, Shred 22.

The Salt Lake Shred will continue its run through June next Friday, June 12, where they head to Portland, to take on the Oregon Steel.