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SALT LAKE CITY — We've seen this matchup before. Duchesne and Rich have developed quite a rivalry over the past decade. They have met every year since 1988, and this will be the fourth time in the last five years these two teams will meet to decide the 1A state football championship.
Duchesne has dominated the series, recently winning seven straight over Rich, but Duchesne has been dominating everyone. They've played the past four years, they own a state record 46-game winning streak and will be seeking their fourth consecutive state title.
Duchesne runs the ball well thanks to a talented backfield. Quarterback Trent Roberts leads the way with 15 touchdowns. Matt Muir, Dylan Despain and Matt Dye have all rushed for more than 600 yards and have combined for 20 touchdowns.
Rich also has a talented backfield. Cache Sabey, Ben Groll and Joseph Leifson have combined for 1,883 yards rushing and 25 touchdowns. Quarterback McKay Jarman is the team's leading rusher with 818 yards and 11 touchdowns and has also come up big with his arm. Rich needed him to make some big throws in a come-from-behind win over Kanab in the semifinals, and he delivered.
If this game is as good as the first meeting this season, fans are in for a treat. Rich built a 19-6 halftime lead when these two teams faced each other on October 11. Duchesne's winning streak looked to be in jeopardy, but the Eagles rallied in the second half. Down 19-13 in the fourth quarter, Braxton Spencer picked off an option pitch and returned it 66 yards for a touchdown. He also kicked the extra point, which turned out to be the difference in the game and saved Duchesne's record streak.
Duchesne is the favorite, but Rich proved in that game they can play with the Eagles. Expect another close and intense contest for the 1A state championship.
KSL prediction: Duchesne 19, Rich 18
