CEDAR CITY, Utah - It's rivalry week, and the Thunderbirds are set to travel to St. George this Saturday to take on Utah Tech in the Battle for the Ax. The game will kick off at 6:00 p.m. MT at Greater Zion Stadium and can be streamed on ESPN+ with live stats available at suutbirds.com. The Thunderbirds have the edge in the overall series 5-1.
The Game
The Thunderbirds are coming off a home victory over Abilene Christian and enter the game with a 2-5 record and sit at 1-2 in conference play. The T-Birds' offensive unit has been strong, averaging just over 36 points per game. Southern Utah has been consistent, averaging nearly 200 yards rushing per game and just under 230 yards passing per contest. Running back Joshua Dye currently sits third nationally in rushing yards (963) and first in rushing touchdowns (15).
Utah Tech enters the weekend fresh off a bye and looking to regroup from the first half of the season. The Trailblazers are 1-6 on the year with a 0-3 record against conference opponents. Utah Tech has consistently played close games with its opponents, especially at home. The Trailblazers average 18.71 points per game on 309.1 yards per contest so far this season.
Check out this Week's Coaches Show
On this episode of the Thunderbird Coaches Show, Coach Fitzgerald and host Jon Smith are joined by defensive back Mikey Allen as they break down the win over Abilene Christian and talk a little about the upcoming Battle for the Ax.
Key T-Birds to Watch:
Southern Utah's offense continues to roll, fueled by a dominant rushing attack anchored by running back Joshua Dye. Through seven games, Dye has been electric, racking up 963 yards on 142 carries, averaging 6.8 yards per attempt and 137.4 per game. He leads the entire FCS with 15 rushing touchdowns, cementing himself as one of the nation's premier backs. Complementing him, Will Burns has provided an explosive change of pace, turning 31 carries into 269 yards and three scores, while Braedon Wissler has added 157 yards and two touchdowns of his own.
Through the air, veteran quarterback Bronson Barron has kept the Thunderbirds balanced and efficient. Barron has thrown for 1,450 yards and 11 touchdowns, completing 63.4% of his passes while averaging just over 241 yards per game. His favorite target, Gabe Nunez, leads the receiving corps with 39 receptions for 470 yards and three touchdowns. Shane Carr has emerged as another big-play weapon, posting 26 catches for 376 yards and four scores, while Devin Downing and Braedon Wissler continue to provide steady production. In total, Barron has connected with 14 different receivers, helping Southern Utah pile up 1,809 passing yards and 12 touchdowns through seven contests.
Defensively, linebacker Sebastian Adamski has set the tone, leading the team with 68 tackles in just six games, including six tackles for loss and a sack. Josh Dunn remains a steady force with 42 tackles and a pass breakup, while defensive back Blake Stillwell has added 32 tackles from the secondary. Linebacker Mason Stromstad has been another key playmaker, contributing 29 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Up front, Lando Brown has anchored the defensive line with a team-best eight sacks and 25 total tackles, and Joe Tongamoa has applied additional pressure with three quarterback hurries and two tackles for loss.
Tracking the Trailblazers
The Trailblazers' offense has thrived on a balanced attack, with quarterback Bronson Barben leading the charge through the air and a dynamic ground game powered by Reggie Graff and Asa Chatman. Barben has thrown for 767 yards and four touchdowns across five games, completing over 55 percent of his passes and connecting on a season-long 49-yard strike. Graff has showcased his versatility as both a passer and a runner, adding 499 yards and three touchdowns through the air while leading the team on the ground with 340 rushing yards and three scores. Chatman has been a steady complement in the backfield, totaling 310 yards and two touchdowns, highlighted by a 66-yard burst that stands as the Trailblazers' longest run of the year. Through the air, Eric Olsen headlines the receiving corps with 31 catches for 353 yards and two touchdowns, while Kaden Eggett and Daniel Thomason have provided reliable options, Eggett with 195 yards and Thomason as a red zone threat with three touchdown grabs. Together, the trio has helped the Trailblazers average more than 180 passing yards and 125 rushing yards per game, keeping opposing defenses off balance.
On the other side of the ball, the Trailblazers' defense has been anchored by a relentless front and a playmaking secondary. Daylen Love sets the tone, pacing the team with 49 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks. Justin Houston and Devyn Perkins have been key contributors as well, tallying 39 and 33 total tackles, respectively. Perkins has emerged as a ballhawk in the secondary with two interceptions and three pass breakups, while Houston has chipped in with an interception, a sack, and a forced fumble. Dallin Havea has been a force, leading the team with 4.5 tackles for loss and four sacks, backed by Will Alovao and Fasitootai Sagapolu, who continue to generate backfield pressure. Moon Ashby has also been a consistent presence with 32 tackles and a team-best five quarterback hurries, helping the Trailblazers build a defensive identity centered on toughness, disruption, and big-play energy.
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