This article recaps a segment from The Rush's Monday, Nov. 2, 2026 episode. Watch the full show.
Last week, The Rush asked what wins playoff games and settled on defense. Provo proved it. The No. 14 Bulldogs won 26-23 at No. 3 Stansbury, according to MaxPreps, with quarterback Drevin Christensen hitting Brexton Hunter on a 71-yard touchdown with about 40 seconds left.
"Provo can do anything they set their mind to," Andy said. "The defense has been tremendous." Andy said Christensen had three touchdowns Friday, two to Liam Schoenrock, and has thrown just four interceptions all year. Andy said the Bulldogs allowed 16.9 points per game this season, fifth in 4A.
Andy said defense has the most room to improve from game to game in the playoffs. "The defense can do stuff that hasn't been shown on film," he said. "You've got to confuse the 17-year-old quarterback on the other side."
Provo opened 0-3, then won a share of the region title with Salem Hills. Stansbury had played Ridgeline within three points earlier this season. "You've got to feel awesome for all those guys at Provo," Andy said. Provo hosts Skyline on Friday, Nov. 6. Skyline beat Pine View 49-19 behind running back Jonah Mailei, who Andy said "ran like the wind."
The rest of the 4A bracket
Ridgeline vs. Highland: Ridgeline shut out Mountain View 45-0. Highland scored 70 points against Bear River, and Andy said Vili Ripley had four touchdowns.
Snow Canyon at Crimson Cliffs: Snow Canyon came back from a 13-2 first-half deficit to beat Sky View 16-13. Crimson Cliffs held Murray to 10 points in a 17-10 win, setting up a Region 9 rematch in Washington.
Salem Hills at Hurricane: Hurricane beat Park City 45-7. Salem Hills beat Mountain Crest 29-27 in overtime. Andy said the Salem Hills secondary has 16 interceptions, but Hurricane "wants to run the dang ball."
Read more on Brexton Hunter, our preview of Provo-Stansbury and Pine View-Skyline and the 6A and 5A first round.