SALT LAKE CITY — 92 years is a long time.

That's how long Spanish Fork football has waited to play for a state championship.

They finally get their chance Friday morning on the turf of Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"It's crazy you know," says quarterback Jason Money. "It's never been done. It's fun.

"There's been so many great teams that have come through here," says Cameron Money. "For us to finally get over that hump and finally get to this game, there's nothing like it. We've got one more hard week and one more game. I think we can do this."

Spanish Fork has flown under the radar this season while teams like Juan Diego, Stansbury, Hurricane and other Region 9 teams received all the attention. Many questioned just how good the Dons were because they didn't face the same region competition as other teams in the state. They have proven themselves in three playoff games knocking off Morgan and two Region 9 teams.

"It's been a lot of fun," says head coach Kirk Chambers. "They way we've been playing and the way our boys have been competing it's exciting to watch."

Chambers was playing in the NFL at this time last season. He has taken an already successful program and added his NFL experience, discipline and attention to detail that has helped the program finally break through.

"We get to go put our stamp on the history books at Spanish Fork," says Chambers. "Not just at the high school but in the community. It means a lot to this community to finally get a team in there. The community is behind us and the boys are hungry to make history."

The key to success for Spanish Fork has been balance on offense. Sophomore quarterback Jason Money has had a season to remember. He has passed for 2,404 yards and 25 touchdowns. Receivers Cameron Money and Colton Olsen have both gained more than 1,000 yards and have combined for 20 touchdowns. A big season by Braxton Argyle at running back has opened things up for the pass game. He has rushed for 1,300 yards and 18 touchdowns. Defensively Spanish Fork is underrated and have had huge year from linebackers Gunnar Beus and Logan Jensen who have combined for 208 tackles and 10 sacks.

It's been a great ride," says Cameron Money. "We've got one more to go."

"We're gonna go win this thing," says running back Braxton Argyle.

Dixie enters the 3A championship game with plenty of confidence. They somehow found a way to knock off undefeated and top ranked Juan Diego in the semifinals. They did so despite having to adjust their pass heavy offense to the winter conditions that blew through Rice-Eccles Stadium last Friday.

"Sometimes that's just a lot inside the kid." Says Monkres. "I've got a lot of good kids that believe they can win. They've really come together as a team the last few weeks."

Dixie entered the playoffs as a No. 3 seed out of Region 9 and have repeatedly overcome the odds. They had to beat North Sanpete on the road to open the playoffs. Then came a long trip to Stansbury to take on the 3rd ranked and undefeated Stallions. After pulling off that upset they faced the daunting task of beating Juan Diego at Rice-Eccles Stadium in a blizzard, a place where Juan Diego had never lost.

"We weren't supposed to win a lot of games," says Batchelor. "Personally I think we like to have it on our back that teams and people don't think we're gonna win. I think its motivation for us and we come out and play harder."

Blake Barney had had another big year at quarterback for the Flyers. He is a 1,000 yard rusher and 2,500 yard passer with a combined 40 touchdowns. He enters his final high school football game with 7,000 yards passing and 57 touchdowns along with 1700 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns on the ground. The weather forecast calls for sunshine on Friday which should help the Flyers pass game return to old form.

Dixie has certainly played better as the postseason has progressed and logged a ton of miles doing so. Dixie will have bussed 2300 miles by the time they are done. That time together has created a bond with this team that will last forever.

"I've never been with a better group of guys in my entire life," says receiver Drew Batchelor. "You hear people talking about coming together and being a family but that's what we're really about."

No. 4 Spanish Fork (12-1) vs. Dixie (10-2) 11 a.m. Friday

Spanish Fork State Championships: None

Dixie State Championships: 6 (1957, 1967, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1998)

What Spanish Fork needs to do to win: Continue to have balance on offense. The combination of run and pass has been tough to stop this season for opposing defenses. They have not lost to a 3A team all season. The secondary will be tested by the Dixie spread offense and they must be up to the task.

What Dixie needs to do to win: Dixie needs a big game from Barney. Not only is he their quarterback but he is also the team's leading rusher. He must take care of the football against a very good Spanish Fork defense.

This is a great matchup for a 3A state championship game. There is potential for a lot of points to be scored on Friday. A win by either team would be historic. Spanish Fork is looking for their first state title in 92 years while a Dixie win would mark a rare year where a lower seeded team wins a state title.

KSL Prediction: Spanish Fork 38 Dixie 35

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