Utah High School Football Game Replaces Coin Toss With Helicopter Drop, Captains' Wrestling Match

Saturday's state championship football game between Rich and Monticello High Schools in Utah put a completely new spin on the game-opening coin toss

In a surprising twist on Saturday, the state championship football game between Rich and Monticello High Schools in Utah featured a unique pre-game ritual that replaced the traditional coin toss. Instead of flipping a coin to determine which team would start the game with possession, the two schools engaged in a spirited wrestling match for a football dropped from a helicopter onto the field.

Prior to the start of the game, a helicopter flew low over Southern Utah University in Cedar City, hovering at midfield and dropping the ball onto the midfield logo. The captains of the two schools then fought for possession in a pre-game novelty that set the tone for the rest of the game. Ultimately, the stunt served as a precursor to the actual coin toss, which Rich High School ended up winning.

Video of the pre-game stunt was captured by Kansas City Chiefs assistant running backs coach Porter Ellett, whose nephew was playing in the game.

My nephew is playing for the state title today. Instead of a coin toss, they drop the game ball from a helicopter and let the captains fight for it. Bring it to the league @NFL pic.twitter.com/SxywqpRBGS

The helicopter drop ended up being the highlight of Saturday's game, as Rich High School went on to crush Monticello by a score of 50-14, repeating as 1A eight-player state champions.