As the pressure mounts ahead of Friday's 6A semifinal face-off, all eyes are on Corner Canyon and Mountain Ridge — and not just because they’re chasing the championship title. There's an added familial twist to the story: Dr. Rick Robins, Canyons District’s Superintendent and a former Southern Utah University Hall of Fame quarterback, will be torn between cheers, as his son, Nick Robins, commands the Mountain Ridge Sentinels against the Corner Canyon Chargers, helmed by Coach Kjar. "You know, every once in a while, there’s a moment in sports that transcends the game, and I think this week is one of those — and I am speaking selfishly," Dr. Robins said, as per Canyons District.
The stakes are indeed high as Corner Canyon seeks to solidly defend its back-to-back championships, while Mountain Ridge aims to quickly ascend as a major contender in their first-ever appearance at the Rice-Eccles Stadium. "It's a big accomplishment that you want your kids to appreciate ... because, like you said, it doesn't happen very often," Coach Kjar noted, as obtained by Canyons District, shedding light on the collective effort that goes into securing a spot at this level. Both head coaches agree that the hard work and community spirit have been paramount to getting this far, with Nick Robins, in his first-year head coach position, saying he was struck by the "big impact it has not only on the football team, but the drill team, the cheer team, the students who ... want to go to the game."
While the competition is fierce on the field, the conversations off it show a mutual respect between the seasoned and the rising coach. In an exchange highlighted by Connect Canyons, Coach Robins commended Corner Canyon, considering them the standard to meet, while Kjar recognized the impressive strides made by Mountain Ridge in such a short time. Jokes were also exchanged, as Mountain Ridge’s assistant coach suggested Kjar should potentially take a new opening at a Utah university before the big game, eliciting laughs on both sides.
Despite the rivalry, the emphasis isn't solely on winning. Both schools champion the value of sports for their students. Dr. Robins encapsulated this ethos, reflecting on the broader life lessons that are taught through football: "You hear coaches say that you don’t win championships in June and July, but it’s necessary, right? You've got to put in the work, and I think that teaches our kids a great lesson about resiliency and perseverance and that anything you want to achieve, you have to put the work in," he told Canyons District. Coach Kjar underscored the significance of extracurricular participation, not just for athletic prowess but for fostering engagement and confidence among the students.
