3AA semifinal preview: Juan Diego joins St. George schools in final four


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SALT LAKE CITY — There were no surprises in the 3AA quarterfinals as the top four ranked teams in the state all advanced to the quarterfinals.

Juan Diego, Pine View, Dixie and Desert Hills all defeated their opponents by double digits. While that took the drama out of the quarterfinals, it certainly sets up two great match ups in the semifinals this week at Rice Eccles Stadium.

Here is a closer look at the match ups:

Juan Diego (11-0) vs. Pine View (8-2), Thurs., 11 a.m.

Juan Diego entered the post season as the No. 1 team in 3AA and is the only team among the final four that doesn't face a long bus trip this week. Less travel has to be seen as an advantage for the Soaring Eagle who are once again in a position to win a state title.

They rank first in scoring offense in 3AA and second in scoring defense. There is no secret what they want to do offensively. They will run their triple option attack behind a strong and talented offensive line; it's the same thing they've always done and it's hard to argue with the results. They have 10 straight region titles and five state championships in 14 years of football.

Quarterback Cole Nelson leads the running attack along with Chase Williams and Jessie Springer. The trio has accounted for more than 2,500 yards and 37 touchdowns on the ground.

Pine View will be a worthy opponent and more than capable of knocking off the Soaring Eagle. The Panthers have not lost since a 21-17 setback against Dixie on September 20. They are 7 points away from an undefeated record.

The Panthers feature one of the top quarterbacks in the state in Kody Wilstead. The junior has completed 63 percent of his passes for 3,235 yards and 30 touchdowns. His top target is Jack Bangerter who has 74 catches for 1,185 yards and 13 touchdowns. Their vertical pass game will challenge the stout Juan Diego defense.

They have athletes on defense led by linebacker Thor Katoa, who is drawing interest from several FBS schools. He has 85 tackles this season along with 3.5 sacks to lead the team.

You will see contrasting styles on Thursday morning, but both teams have skilled athletes and are well coached. It will be interesting to see which style wins out and finds a spot in the first ever 3AA state championship game.

KSL prediction: Juan Diego 21 Pine View 14

Dixie (8-2) vs. Desert Hills (8-2), Fri., 11 a.m.

The other 3AA semifinal features two teams who are very familiar with each other. Dixie and Desert Hills have had some great games since Desert Hills opened in 2008. They have split their last four meetings with three of them decided by 4 points or less.

Dixie got the best of Desert Hills on October 4, winning 27-7. It was one of just two defeats this season for the Thunder, who will be looking to avenge that loss to their rivals and earn a spot in a state championship game for the second time in three years.

They have the best defense in 3AA, holding their opponents to just 9.5 points per game. Jake Wagner has wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks all year with nine sacks. Sil Bundy and Tucker Cowdin have combined for 179 tackles and 9.5 sacks.

They also have weapons offensively and have improved statistically in recent weeks. Bridger Cowdin has rushed for 833 yards and 12 touchdowns behind what many believe is the best offensive line in 3AA.

The Desert Hills defense will be tested by Dixie's high powered spread offense. They average 36 points per game, which is third in 3AA. Ammon Takau has been terrific at quarterback for the Flyers completing 67 percent of his passes this season for 2,527 yards and 27 touchdowns.

Takau has a talented and experienced group of receivers to throw the ball to. Drew Batchelor, Andy Appel, Tanner Webster and Lukas Hildebrandt all return from last year's team that won the 3A state championship; they have combined for 22 touchdowns.

Their defense is often overshadowed by their offense, but the Flyers are fourth in 3AA in scoring defense, holding their opponents to just 19 points per game.

This game is sure to be much closer than their meeting on October 4.

KSL Prediction: Dixie 21 Desert Hills 17

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Jeremiah Jensen

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