ROY, Utah -- Most people don’t think of Roy High School as a state power in football, until now.
This year’s team is having one of the most successful seasons in school history. The Royals are 11-0 and they’re in the state semifinals for the first time since 1981.
“I think it’s mostly the mindset with Roy kids,” said senior tight-end Cody Hobbs. “They don’t think they are going to win, but this group we won when we we’re little and now we’re winning, so we just have the right mindset.”
“We’ve been together for a long time, since we were little,” said senior wide receiver Nate Jones. “We’ve always been winning and it’s just carried over to now.”
Roy made the playoffs last year for the first time since 2007, but they lost to East High School in the first round. This year’s team is shooting for more.
They’re undefeated heading into Friday’s semifinal against Corner Canyon High School, who’s also undefeated.
“I can’t picture us losing,” said senior quarterback Tyler Skidmore. “We’ve got to think that Corner Canyon is feeling the same thing. They don’t think they’re going to lose, which they shouldn’t. So, it’s going to come down to execution and who wants it more.”
Skidmore has been the Royals’ starting quarterback for four years. He’s now a senior and had seen how winning football games has brought the Roy community together.
“In my four years here this is definitely the most fun,” Skidmore said. “And it’s not just because we’re winning. The community has come out and supported us. Everyone is coming out to the games. It’s just a fun ride.”
Senior David Dorber, defensive end, said he goes to work and people recognize him and the team.
“Everybody from the community talks about the team. It’s been awesome,” Dorber said.