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Class 5A
The biggest surprise of the first round of the 5A playoffs was the way Jordan demolished Davis. The Darts reached the state championship game last season and returned several players including quarterback Gavin Fowler and highly recruited defensive end Troy Hinds. They had been solid all season defensively. The only blemish on their record was a hard fought 14-6 loss to Fremont. I wrote last week when I previewed the matchup that Jordan had a chance because of the contrast in styles. But to win the game 52-7 on the road? I didn't see that coming. I terribly underestimated the Beetdiggers. That upset should have been obvious. That is what makes the playoffs so much fun is the factor of unpredictability. The playoffs are always full of surprises and I'm sure we will have our share in the quarterfinals.
I went 7-1 with my 5A picks in the first round with the Jordan/Davis pick my only mistake. We'll see how I do this week as I preview each quarterfinal match-up.
Riverton Silverwolves (10-1) at Lone Peak Knights (10-1), Friday 6 p.m.
The monkey is finally off Riverton's back. The Silverwolves won a playoff game for the first time in school history when they took care of West on Friday. Now they prepare to take the next step and reach the semifinals with a win over the Knights. It's no secret what Riverton is going to try to do Friday. They will run the football, and they will run it for 4 quarters. Defensively they are tough and gritty allowing just 17 points per game. Just because they run the ball doesn't mean they have trouble scoring. Riverton 37 points per game, only Bingham, Cottonwood and Jordan score more points in 5A. They will find it tough to score that many points against Lone Peak. The Knights feature one of the best defenses in the state. They allow just 12.5 points per game and have had success forcing turnovers. Offensively they feature quarterback Chase Hansen who transferred from rival American Fork during the summer. He has had a huge impact this season with his arm and his legs. Along with running back and backup quarterback Talon Shumway they provide the Knights with big plays when they need them.
One could argue that this is the most evenly matched quarterfinal game. Both teams finished the regular season in the top five of the final KSL Coaches' Poll. Both teams suffered just one loss. It should add up to a great playoff matchup and a close game.
Prediction: Lone Peak 17 Riverton 14
Skyline Eagles (6-4) at Fremont Silverwolves (9-1), Friday 4 p.m.
As the old proverb states, nothing is certain but death, taxes and Skyline winning playoff games at home. The Eagles are now 36-0 all-time in home playoff games. That's a remarkable run of success. Unfortunately for Skyline, they must take to the road this week to face Fremont.
The Silverwolves aren't flashy and don't feature division I recruits which is why they aren't often mentioned as a challenger to Bingham in 5A. All they do is go out and win each and every week. Their only loss this year was to Jordan in week 1 which doesn't look like a bad loss anymore. They have won nine straight games including wins over Northridge and Davis to claim the Region 1 title. Going undefeated in Region 1 is a tremendous accomplishment. They have also responded well in close games winning twice in overtime. Offensively they are led by running back Nick Vigil who has rushed for more than 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns. They have also been very tough on defense allowing their opponents just 13 points per game.
Skyline has been inconsistent this season but they do have talented players that can make plays. Running Back Andy Rounds is an exciting player to watch and they do have talent. They should keep this game close but the Silverwolves might just be too much for the Eagles.
Prediction: Fremont 14 Skyline 10
Jordan Beetdiggers (8-3) at Cottonwood Colts (10-0), Friday 5 p.m.
If you are looking for a sleeper in 5A Jordan may be the choice. I already mentioned their dominance of Davis and how shocking that was. This team has been great all year offensively and it looks like the defense is catching up at the best possible time. Quarterback McCoy Hill leads an offense that has averaged 38 points per game. They are so explosive and break off so many big plays. They would be a handful for any defense let alone a defense that is short handed.
The Cottonwood Colts suffered a huge blow this week when it was learned that two of their best players will not play Friday. Linebackers Luke King and Anthony Lewis have been suspended two games after they admitted to drinking alcohol at a school dance. The Colts already had their hands full trying to slow down the red hot Beetdiggers offense. Now they must try to stop them without two of their best defensive players. The Colts offense will be at full strength. Sophomore quarterback Cooper Bateman is a special talent that already has a scholarship offer from Utah. Running Back Nadan Hosea is a 1,000-yard rusher and will be expected to have a big game.
This game will be a shootout. Touchdowns will not be hard to come by. If the Colts defense were at full strength I would take them to win on their home field. But losing two players that good and knowing that if you win they still wouldn't play against Bingham in the semifinals has to be devastating psychologically.
Prediction: Jordan 49 Cottonwood 45
Northridge Knights (9-2) at Bingham Miners (10-0), Friday 4 p.m.
Bingham proved last week against Hunter that they don't need star running back Harvey Langi to win a state title. His backup Inoke Taufalele filled in admirably scoring two touchdowns in the Miners 31-0 victory. The play of quarterback Stefan Cantwell and a talented group of receivers also helped offset the suspension of Langi. They could probably win state without him but Harvey will return to the field Friday when the Miners host Northridge. Especially when you consider how good their defense is playing right now. They allow just 8 points a game and their average scoring differential per game is 42.
The Knights got in the way of another Bingham vs. Alta clash in the playoffs. They knocked off the Hawks on the road to earn the right to face the Miners in the quarterfinals. They are playing very well since back-to-back losses to region rivals Davis and Fremont. Quarterback Trent Buckley leads the offense that has scored an average of 42 points per game during their 4 game win streak. Running Back and defensive back Brock Johnson is another key player especially on defense where the Knights give up just 12.4 points per game which is 2nd only to Bingham.
The Knights are playing with confidence and their excellent defense will challenge the Miners offense, but knocking off what may be the best high school football team in the history of the state of Utah on their home field looks to be too much of a challenge.
Prediction: Bingham 35 Northridge 7
