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Class 3A
Hurricane and Juan Diego have given us two of the most thrilling state championship games in state history the past two seasons. Since the season started both teams were favored to return to the 3A state championship game for a third straight season. Now both teams are one win away from making it happen. Two teams stand in their way and it wasn't the two teams many expected to get the turf of Rice Eccles. Both Delta and Judge have beaten the odds to reach the semifinals.
Does Delta and Judge have what it takes to prevent a championship rematch? Here is a preview:
Hurricane Tigers (11-1) vs. Delta Rabbits (8-4), Thursday 6:30 p.m. @ Rice-Eccles Stadium
The Hurricane Tigers spent the entire season ranked No. 1 in the KSL Coaches' Poll until the final game of the regular season. A shocking loss to region 9 rival Cedar left many wondering whether the Tigers had what it takes to get back to the title game for the third straight year. Sometimes a loss can do some good for a team and that seems to be the case for Hurricane. They crushed Morgan and Emery in the first two rounds of the playoffs and look to be back on track. It's no secret what the Tigers want to do offensively. Jarom Healey leads a potent rushing attack with 1,060 yards and no running back in the state has reached the end zone more often than Healy who has 20 scores. Offensive lineman Daniel Neilson, who is committed to play football at Utah, leads a line that has dominated their opponents at the line of scrimmage and opened up big holes for the run game. They lead 3A in scoring with 36 points per game and also lead the classification in point differential with 21.92 points per game. Their defense has been solid allowing just 14.25 points per game.
Knocking off the Tigers will be a tremendous challenge for Delta but they haven't shied away from challenges this season. The Rabbits started the season 0-4 and back in September just reaching the playoffs seemed unlikely. They haven't lost since and now they find themselves in the semifinals for the first time since 2006 with the hopes of reaching the 3A title game for the first time since winning it all in 2001.
The Rabbits have dominated their opponents during their current 8 game-winning streak. Only one game was decided by less than 13 points. Offensively they are led by running back Hadley Myers and quarterback Colin Christensen. They have combined for 25 rushing touchdowns this season. Defensively they have held their opponents to just 13 points per game. Only Juan Diego has given up fewer points this season.
Delta and Hurricane are meeting for the second time this season. The Tigers won the first meeting in Delta in week two 20-8. A lot has changed since then and the Rabbits are much improved. They should give Hurricane a tough challenge but the Tigers seem to back to their old form, which will be too much for Delta.
Prediction: Hurricane 28 Delta 21
Juan Diego Soaring Eagle (10-1) vs. Judge Bulldogs (7-5), Friday 6:30 p.m. @ Rice-Eccles Stadium
We expected Juan Diego to be here but the fact that Judge has reached the semifinals is one of the greatest accomplishments of the season. They had to play 4 games in 14 days to get here and they had to pull out two close games to make it happen. After surviving a region 11 play-in game against Grantsville their reward was a long trip to Cedar City to face the region 9 champions. But they pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the playoffs when they scored 17 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to knock off Cedar. Then in the quarterfinals they needed a missed extra point with no time left to survive a furious rally from Wasatch.
They look like a team of destiny. Their offense is coming together at the right time led by sophomore quarterback James Delacenserie. Christian Weidle makes plays on offense defense and special teams.
The Bulldogs playmakers will have a tough time making plays against Juan Diego. The defense of the Soaring Eagle is the best in 3A allowing just 11 points per game. They are led by linebacker Taylor Cassita who has 90 tackles. Defensive end Jalin Ames terrorizes opposing quarterbacks and has 7.5 sacks this season.
These two Catholic rivals played each other in week five with the Soaring Eagle winning easily 21-7. Much has changed since then and the Bulldogs run has been impressive. This game will be a defensive struggle and that is the type of game that would favor Juan Diego
Prediction: Juan Diego 21 Judge 14
