For the Journal

LOGAN, Utah - Highland had its way with Logan the last time these two teams met.

The Grizzlies returned the favor in the rematch.

Logan quarterback Jeff Manning accounted for 369 yards of total offense and five touchdowns to lead the Grizzlies to a thrilling 38-33 victory over the Rams on Friday night at Crimson Field.

"It was an exciting game with two great teams, and fortunately we came out on top," said Logan head coach Mike Favero, whose team lost to Highland 43-28 last year in Pocatello.

As good as the Grizzlies were on offense, the defense was just as impressive.

Logan (4-1) recovered three fumbles by the Rams and turned two of them into 14 points.

"It's hard to expect to win when you're gonna put it on the carpet three times," Highland head coach Gino Mariani said. "You can't make mistakes against good teams. They took advantage of it.

"I knew it was gonna come down to whoever had the ball last, and we just didn't take care of business when we had a chance."

The Rams (1-2) trailed 32-21 heading into the fourth quarter. However, Jerry Castillo scored on touchdown runs of six and four yards, respectively, to give Highland its first lead of the night at 33-32 with 6:18 to go.

"You gotta give them some props," Manning said of the Rams. "They played a heck of a game, made it close. That's what preseason games are for to see if we can battle back and come out on top when we need to."

Manning made sure the Grizzlies did.

On Logan's ensuing possession, Manning hit Stephen Gwynn down the middle for a 62-yard touchdown to give the Grizzlies a 38-33 lead with 5:02 remaining.

"He ran a good route," Manning said. "He allows me just to fling the ball up there and the O-line gave me great time.

"Coach Favero was saying this game's not over, and we all knew that. It's not over until the last play. … We just have a don't-quit attitude."

After the touchdown, there was still plenty of time left on the clock for Highland.

But on the first play of their next possession, the Rams fumbled and Logan's Jackson Everton recovered it at Highland's 28-yard line with 4:44 left.

The Grizzlies proceeded to run out the clock.

"You gotta take care of the football," Mariani said. "To me, it's a mental lapse. Those are costly. In the first half we had an opportunity to put up more points and we didn't.

"In the second half, when you've got it with five minutes left and you're going, you gotta protect the ball."

Manning threw for 253 yards and three touchdowns, including two to Gwynn. He also ran for a season-high 116 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.

Taysom Hill threw for 168 yards and rushed for 128 more and two touchdowns for Highland.

"You saw two great athletes that are gonna go on and probably play Division I football," Mariani said of the two QBs. "They did their jobs. They were stalwarts out there, and I think it was pretty easy to see.

"We just need the other people around Taysom to step up and make the same plays he's making."

Castillo also crossed the century mark, gaining 109 yards and three touchdowns on 17 carries. He lost two of the Rams' fumbles, though.