ST. GEORGE — The Trailblazers couldn’t be in a better position on the path to their season finale Saturday afternoon in Provo.
The football team at Utah Tech is on a three-game winning streak and for the second consecutive week has multiple Western Athletic Conference Players of the Week who will lead them into the program’s first-ever game against in-state rival Brigham Young University.
According to a press release, Utah Tech will play the Cougars again in Provo in the 2026 season opener.
Saturday’s kickoff at 1:30 p.m. at LaVell Edwards Stadium marks only the second game in Utah Tech program history it has gone up against an NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team. Utah Tech is in the NCAA D-I Football Championship Series (FCS).
The Trailblazers squared off against FBS-independent New Mexico State in 2021 in El Paso, Texas (Sun Bowl). Utah Tech led that game 14-10 at halftime before the Aggies rallied for a 36-29 victory.
The Trailblazers’ three-game roll is the longest win streak in Utah Tech’s brief FCS transition and the second-longest streak in head coach Paul Peterson’s tenure in St. George.
Saturday, Peterson makes his return to Provo. He started his college coaching career as an offensive assistant at BYU (2006-07).
Meanwhile, four other members of Peterson’s coaching staff have either played and coached or have ties to the BYU program.
All four are BYU alumni as well: co-defensive coordinator Shane Hunter, defensive line coach Loni Fangupo and offensive assistant Kalama Kaluhiokalani. Lastly, defensive assistant coach Jamison Clark is the son of current BYU tight ends coach Steve Clark.
Go to The Fan Sports Network for the live broadcast of Saturday’s game with the call by Voice of the Trailblazers Rod Zundel.
Conley, Nash earn WAC honors
The Trailblazers will have their two hottest players leading them Saturday after running back Quali Conley and safety Darrius Nash were named offensive and defensive Players of the Week by the Western Athletic Conference.
According to a press release, Conley collected the award for the second time this season. The sophomore from Fresno, California, ran for a career-best 215 yards and a touchdown in Utah Tech’s 34-28 triumph over Tarleton State last Saturday at Greater Zion Stadium.
Nash snagged an interception and returned it 95 yards for a pick-six against the Texans to break open the win for the Trailblazers. The senior from Los Angeles, California, also recorded five solo tackles and a pass breakup in his last game in St. George.
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