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After ten weeks of very entertaining high school football, the playoffs are finally upon us. The matchups are set for the first round and we are ready to kickoff our coverage for what should be a wild month of prep playoff football. We plan to have highlights from more than 20 first round games. You can see those highlights right here on KSL.com, as well as the KSL 5 News at 10 Friday and on SportsBeat Preps at 11:05 on KSL 5.Upper bracket
This is a really tough draw for Riverton. The Vikings have been ranked all season and if not for some key injuries; PG may have won Region 4. Instead, the Silverwolves will host this game and must find a way to score points against the stingy Pleasant Grove defense, which gives up just 13 points a game. Vikings star quarterback and Stanford commit Dallas Lloyd is considered a game-time decision. If he doesn't play Riverton will have a much better chance at winning the first playoff game in school history. If Lloyd plays and is close to 100 percent then the Vikings will have a significant advantage in this matchup.
These teams live and die by the run. Darts running back Tanner Hinds has rushed for 1,323 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. For West, Tana Afeaki rushed for more than 1100 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry while his teammate Anetipa Vaisagano ran for more than 700 yards while averaging 7.3 yards a carry. The key to this game will be which defense has more success stopping the run. West has the capability to pull off the upset. They beat Region 2 champ Hunter 21-10 in week 4 but they face a Davis team that has outscored their last two opponents 70-6.
For the 1st time since 2003, Weber is in the playoffs and they did it by winning 6 of their last 7 games. They have one of the best defenses in 5A but will be challenged by Hunter's physical run game. Hunter enjoyed a bye week after clinching their first region title since 2003, the year they went on to win the 5A state title. The key to this matchup will be if Weber can stand up to the well rested big bodies the Wolverines boast on both sides of the ball.
This game will be an interesting contrast in styles. Cottonwood has an explosive aerial attack led by quarterback Crosby Jensen who has passed for 1,982 yards, and 27 touchdowns. Viewmont doesn't feature any stars or division I recruits. They like to grind it out on the ground offensively and play tough and physical defensively. They will need to get pressure on Jensen and contain the Colts passing game if they want to come away with a victory.
Fremont won just one game last year. So to win 5 games this season and earn a playoff berth while competing in region 1 is impressive. Their reward is a first round matchup with 2-time defending 5A champion Alta. The Hawks are dealing with injuries while trying to defend their crown. Star linebacker Parker Hausknecht is out for the season with a knee injury but the Hawks have the depth to overcome it.
The Beetdiggers have to be worn out after an emotional 35-30 play-in victory over rival Brighton just to earn the right to play #1 Bingham in the first round on Saturday. If Jordan plans to pull off a huge upset and win their 3rd game in 8 days the defense must step up. They give up 28 points a game. Scoring shouldn't be a problem for the Beetdiggers with the nation's leading passer under center. Alex Hart has completed 65.6% of his passes for 4,044 yards and 43 TDs. 19 of those touchdowns were caught by receiver Braden Hammond who has 90 catches for 1500 yards. They may find those yards and touchdowns hard to come by against a Miners defense that allows just 17 points a game. Bingham's offense can also put up points averaging 38 a game led by star running back Harvey Langi and his 14 touchdowns.
This looks to be the tightest matchup of the first round in 5A. Syracuse led 5A in scoring defense allowing just 9 points a game but a season ending loss to Layton, a team that didn't even qualify for postseason play, leaves reason for concern. Skyline's coaching staff has a long and well-documented history of success in the postseason. They have won 15 of their last 16 first round playoff games. They also have the 2nd highest scoring offense in 5A averaging 38 points per game. Something has to give on Friday.
Spanish Fork is the highest scoring team in 4A averaging 43 points a game. Their only two losses this season came to ranked teams No. 4 Bountiful and No. 5 Springville. Quarterback Hayden Neilsen has passed for more than 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns. Pine View did not dominate region 9 like they have become accustomed to but they are still a tough first round draw for the Dons. The Panthers have reached the semifinals in 4 of the last 5 years.
After losing two hard fought games against two of the top 5A teams in the state (Pleasant Grove, Alta) Timpview is back to its old dominating self. The average score for the T-birds against 4A opponents is 53-8. That is expected to continue Friday against Olympus. The Titans have had a nice season under new head coach Mike Smith. They went 3-0 against 5A teams early in the season including a 28-14 win over rival Skyline. But as the season has wore on injuries have taken their toll.
Mountain Crest Quarterback Alex Kuresa begins his third postseason as the Mustangs starting Quarterback. He is just a junior. That experience along with his talent as well as a solid supporting cast makes Mountain Crest one of the favorites to win it all. Their only loss this season was a 3-point loss to Lone Peak. Salem Hills has had a very nice season going 6-4 in just their 2nd year. Dual-threat quarterback Josh Adams will try to keep the SkyHawks in the game.
The Bountiful Braves were #1 in 4A most of the year and are just three points short of a perfect record and a No. 1 seed. But that 9-7 loss to Highland has them starting the playoffs on the road at Bonneville. If you love great defense you need to make a drive to Washington Terrace Friday evening. Bountiful and Bonneville have both been outstanding defensively. Bountiful has held their opponents to 8.7 points per game while the Lakers have held their opponents to 17 a game. The difference between these two teams has been scoring. The Braves average 28 points a game while the Lakers average just 19. Bonneville will have to find a way to score more points to beat Bountiful but the Lakers have the home crowd on their side, which will help. Bonneville does have nice wins over Woods Cross and Sky View and held high scoring Mountain Crest to just 16 points.
Mountain View needed a field goal in overtime to knock off cross-town rival Orem and avoid a play in game. Now they must travel to St. George to take on a Dixie team that has won 5 straight games including a shutout of rival Pine View to end the regular season. In those 5 wins the average margin of victory was 27 points.
Former NFL and University of Utah quarterback Scott Mitchell took over a Springville program last year that was coming off a two win season. Two years later the Red Devils are 8-1 and can call themselves region champs for the first time since 2004. Both teams have shown they can put up points averaging 30 points a game. The difference may come down to Springville's defense versus Sky View's offense. Bobcats quarterback Kyler Carlsen has been one of the best in the state passing for 2,400 yards and 24 touchdowns. They must travel to Utah County and move the ball against a solid Red Devil defense that has given up just 12 points per game.
The good news for Provo is that star player Maka Unufe will be back in action Friday after suffering a concussion last Friday against Timpview. The bad news is that Woods Cross is a very good football team. The Bulldogs have relied on Maka all season to make plays all season and he has delivered by scoring 16 touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. He will have to have a monster game against the Wildcats for the Bulldogs to come out on top. Woods Cross had their chances to beat Highland and Bountiful and is enjoying their best year in a long time. They have a balanced offensive attack that is averaging 30 points per game.
Morgan has had another nice season and boasts two wins over 4A teams (Snow Canyon, Salem Hills). Emery is out to prove that teams in region 12 can compete with the rest of the best in 3A.
Hurricane dominated region 9 until a shocking loss to Desert Hills to end the season. Up to that point there only setback was a 27-14 loss to 5A Skyline on the road. The Tigers look to be a legitimate challenger to Juan Diego but that loss to the Thunder is a huge concern. They try to put that behind them starting with American Leadership Academy on Friday. ALA is a charter school in Spanish Fork that is rapidly improving their program but the long trip to Hurricane will be a daunting task for the 3-7 Eagles.
Park City has been an offensive juggernaut this season. The Miners are averaging 50 points a game while their star backfield is putting up unbelievable numbers running the football. Quarterback Erik Walker has averaged 16 yards a carry while rushing for 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns while running back Dylan Chynoweth has averaged 14 yards a carry while rushing for 1700 yards and 26 touchdowns. Grantsville faces a daunting task trying to slow down the Miners rushing attack but the Cowboys have a lot of heart.
Wasatch has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround this season. After winning just two games in 2008 the Wasps have 8 wins and are doing it with a high scoring offense. Quarterback Peyton Davis has passed for 2300 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging 38 points a game. A Desert Hills team that is coming off a 27-20 win over then 2nd ranked Hurricane will challenge them. They also allow just 16 points a game and they will try to slow down the Wasps offense on the road Friday.
This should be another tight first round matchup. Manti is making the transition to 3A this season and claimed a share of the region 12 title with Delta. They host a Bear River team that struggled against their region rivals after starting the season 4-1. This is the first meeting between these two schools.
Everyone knows this is a tough draw for Juab. Going on the road to face the defending 3A champs will be a giant challenge. Juan Diego is loaded with talent and has averaged 37 points on offense while giving up just 9 points a game on defense. The wasps are led by quarterback Brock Orme and have always had a reputation for playing physical football.
Cedar is led by 1,000-yard rusher Adam Rice who will play Friday after sitting out the last two games with an injury. Union will be a huge underdog against the Redmen and their triple option attack. This is the first meeting between these two schools.
Here are some quick previews and predictions for each matchup in 5A, 4A, and 3A as we get ready for all the action Friday and Saturday. Feel free to make your own predictions in the comment board.
Class 5A
Upper bracket
#4 Pleasant Grove (7-2) at Riverton (5-4), Fri., 5 p.m.
This is a really tough draw for Riverton. The Vikings have been ranked all season and if not for some key injuries; PG may have won Region 4. Instead, the Silverwolves will host this game and must find a way to score points against the stingy Pleasant Grove defense, which gives up just 13 points a game. Vikings star quarterback and Stanford commit Dallas Lloyd is considered a game-time decision. If he doesn't play Riverton will have a much better chance at winning the first playoff game in school history. If Lloyd plays and is close to 100 percent then the Vikings will have a significant advantage in this matchup. KSL Sports staff prediction: Pleasant Grove 23 Riverton 7West (5-5) at #5 Davis (7-2), Fri., 3:30 p.m.
These teams live and die by the run. Darts running back Tanner Hinds has rushed for 1,323 yards and 18 touchdowns this season. For West, Tana Afeaki rushed for more than 1100 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry while his teammate Anetipa Vaisagano ran for more than 700 yards while averaging 7.3 yards a carry. The key to this game will be which defense has more success stopping the run. West has the capability to pull off the upset. They beat Region 2 champ Hunter 21-10 in week 4 but they face a Davis team that has outscored their last two opponents 70-6. KSL Sports staff prediction: Davis 21 West 7Weber (7-3) at Hunter (6-3), Fri., 4 p.m.
For the 1st time since 2003, Weber is in the playoffs and they did it by winning 6 of their last 7 games. They have one of the best defenses in 5A but will be challenged by Hunter's physical run game. Hunter enjoyed a bye week after clinching their first region title since 2003, the year they went on to win the 5A state title. The key to this matchup will be if Weber can stand up to the well rested big bodies the Wolverines boast on both sides of the ball. KSL Sports staff prediction: Hunter 23 Weber 20West Jordan (7-3) at #3 Lone Peak (8-2), Fri., 4 p.m.
This game will be a battle of two outstanding quarterbacks. Lone Peak's Tannon Pederson completed 56 percent of his passes this season while throwing more than 20 touchdowns. West Jordan's Adam Boelter completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,466 yards and 26 scores. Both QB's lead their teams in rushing as well. Boelter had 13 rushing touchdowns this season. He will have to find a way to score against the Knights defense, which gives up just 15 points a game and allowed just a field goal in a 33-3 blowout of previously unbeaten Pleasant Grove. Sharing the Region 4 title is a tremendous accomplishment by the Knights who will be tough for anyone to beat in the playoffs.
KSL Sports staff prediction: Lone Peak 38 West Jordan 24
Lower bracketViewmont (6-4) at Cottonwood (7-3), Fri., 4 p.m.
This game will be an interesting contrast in styles. Cottonwood has an explosive aerial attack led by quarterback Crosby Jensen who has passed for 1,982 yards, and 27 touchdowns. Viewmont doesn't feature any stars or division I recruits. They like to grind it out on the ground offensively and play tough and physical defensively. They will need to get pressure on Jensen and contain the Colts passing game if they want to come away with a victory. KSL Sports staff prediction: Cottonwood 28 Viewmont 17Fremont (5-4) at #2 Alta (8-2), Fri., 5 p.m.
Fremont won just one game last year. So to win 5 games this season and earn a playoff berth while competing in region 1 is impressive. Their reward is a first round matchup with 2-time defending 5A champion Alta. The Hawks are dealing with injuries while trying to defend their crown. Star linebacker Parker Hausknecht is out for the season with a knee injury but the Hawks have the depth to overcome it. KSL Sports staff prediction: Alta 38 Fremont 14Jordan at #1 Bingham (9-1), Sat., 2 p.m.
The Beetdiggers have to be worn out after an emotional 35-30 play-in victory over rival Brighton just to earn the right to play #1 Bingham in the first round on Saturday. If Jordan plans to pull off a huge upset and win their 3rd game in 8 days the defense must step up. They give up 28 points a game. Scoring shouldn't be a problem for the Beetdiggers with the nation's leading passer under center. Alex Hart has completed 65.6% of his passes for 4,044 yards and 43 TDs. 19 of those touchdowns were caught by receiver Braden Hammond who has 90 catches for 1500 yards. They may find those yards and touchdowns hard to come by against a Miners defense that allows just 17 points a game. Bingham's offense can also put up points averaging 38 a game led by star running back Harvey Langi and his 14 touchdowns. KSL Sports staff prediction: Bingham 48 Jordan 31Skyline (7-3) at Syracuse (7-2), Fri., 2 p.m.
This looks to be the tightest matchup of the first round in 5A. Syracuse led 5A in scoring defense allowing just 9 points a game but a season ending loss to Layton, a team that didn't even qualify for postseason play, leaves reason for concern. Skyline's coaching staff has a long and well-documented history of success in the postseason. They have won 15 of their last 16 first round playoff games. They also have the 2nd highest scoring offense in 5A averaging 38 points per game. Something has to give on Friday. KSL Sports staff prediction: Skyline 10 Syracuse 9Class 4A
Upper bracket
Pine View (5-4) at Spanish Fork (7-2), 2 p.m.
Spanish Fork is the highest scoring team in 4A averaging 43 points a game. Their only two losses this season came to ranked teams No. 4 Bountiful and No. 5 Springville. Quarterback Hayden Neilsen has passed for more than 1,700 yards and 22 touchdowns. Pine View did not dominate region 9 like they have become accustomed to but they are still a tough first round draw for the Dons. The Panthers have reached the semifinals in 4 of the last 5 years. KSL Sports staff prediction: Spanish Fork 35 Pine View 21Olympus (7-3) at #2 Timpview (7-2), 3 p.m.
After losing two hard fought games against two of the top 5A teams in the state (Pleasant Grove, Alta) Timpview is back to its old dominating self. The average score for the T-birds against 4A opponents is 53-8. That is expected to continue Friday against Olympus. The Titans have had a nice season under new head coach Mike Smith. They went 3-0 against 5A teams early in the season including a 28-14 win over rival Skyline. But as the season has wore on injuries have taken their toll. KSL Sports staff prediction: Timpview 41 Olympus 14Salem Hills (6-4) at #1 Mountain Crest (8-1), 2 p.m.
Mountain Crest Quarterback Alex Kuresa begins his third postseason as the Mustangs starting Quarterback. He is just a junior. That experience along with his talent as well as a solid supporting cast makes Mountain Crest one of the favorites to win it all. Their only loss this season was a 3-point loss to Lone Peak. Salem Hills has had a very nice season going 6-4 in just their 2nd year. Dual-threat quarterback Josh Adams will try to keep the SkyHawks in the game. KSL Sports staff prediction: Mountain Crest 35 Salem Hills 10Orem (4-6) at #3 Highland (7-3), 6 p.m.
In Hindsight, Highland's 1-3 start was a bit misleading. Their three losses were to Mountain Crest, Skyline, and defending Idaho 5A state Champion Highland out of Pocatello. That one win was a 27-3 victory over Hunter who went on to win 5A's region 2. Those were tough games that prepared them for region play where they excelled. They went 6-0 in region 6 which included wins over ranked teams Bountiful and Woods Cross. Orem has improved as the season went on while trying to overcome a number of injuries. If they want to hang with highland they must take care of the football and slow down the Rams option attack.
KSL Sports staff prediction: Highland 35 Orem 7
Lower bracket#4 Bountiful (9-1) at Bonneville (6-4), 5 p.m.
The Bountiful Braves were #1 in 4A most of the year and are just three points short of a perfect record and a No. 1 seed. But that 9-7 loss to Highland has them starting the playoffs on the road at Bonneville. If you love great defense you need to make a drive to Washington Terrace Friday evening. Bountiful and Bonneville have both been outstanding defensively. Bountiful has held their opponents to 8.7 points per game while the Lakers have held their opponents to 17 a game. The difference between these two teams has been scoring. The Braves average 28 points a game while the Lakers average just 19. Bonneville will have to find a way to score more points to beat Bountiful but the Lakers have the home crowd on their side, which will help. Bonneville does have nice wins over Woods Cross and Sky View and held high scoring Mountain Crest to just 16 points. KSL Sports staff prediction: Bountiful 21 Bonneville 10Mountain View (3-6) at Dixie (6-3), 7 p.m.
Mountain View needed a field goal in overtime to knock off cross-town rival Orem and avoid a play in game. Now they must travel to St. George to take on a Dixie team that has won 5 straight games including a shutout of rival Pine View to end the regular season. In those 5 wins the average margin of victory was 27 points. KSL Sports staff prediction: Dixie 28 Mountain View 7Sky View (6-4) at #5 Springville (8-1), 2:30 p.m.
Former NFL and University of Utah quarterback Scott Mitchell took over a Springville program last year that was coming off a two win season. Two years later the Red Devils are 8-1 and can call themselves region champs for the first time since 2004. Both teams have shown they can put up points averaging 30 points a game. The difference may come down to Springville's defense versus Sky View's offense. Bobcats quarterback Kyler Carlsen has been one of the best in the state passing for 2,400 yards and 24 touchdowns. They must travel to Utah County and move the ball against a solid Red Devil defense that has given up just 12 points per game. KSL staff prediction: Springville 31 Sky View 24Woods Cross (6-3) at Provo (8-2), 4 p.m.
The good news for Provo is that star player Maka Unufe will be back in action Friday after suffering a concussion last Friday against Timpview. The bad news is that Woods Cross is a very good football team. The Bulldogs have relied on Maka all season to make plays all season and he has delivered by scoring 16 touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. He will have to have a monster game against the Wildcats for the Bulldogs to come out on top. Woods Cross had their chances to beat Highland and Bountiful and is enjoying their best year in a long time. They have a balanced offensive attack that is averaging 30 points per game. KSL Sports staff prediction: Woods Cross 28 Provo 21Class 3A
Upper bracket
Emery (5-4) at #5 Morgan (7-3), Fri., 3 p.m.
Morgan has had another nice season and boasts two wins over 4A teams (Snow Canyon, Salem Hills). Emery is out to prove that teams in region 12 can compete with the rest of the best in 3A. KSL Sports staff prediction: Morgan 35 Emery 7American Leadership (3-7) at #3 Hurricane (8-2), Fri., 5 p.m.
Hurricane dominated region 9 until a shocking loss to Desert Hills to end the season. Up to that point there only setback was a 27-14 loss to 5A Skyline on the road. The Tigers look to be a legitimate challenger to Juan Diego but that loss to the Thunder is a huge concern. They try to put that behind them starting with American Leadership Academy on Friday. ALA is a charter school in Spanish Fork that is rapidly improving their program but the long trip to Hurricane will be a daunting task for the 3-7 Eagles. KSL Sports staff prediction: Hurricane 38 American Leadership 14Grantsville (3-6) at #2 Park City (9-1), Fri., 3 p.m.
Park City has been an offensive juggernaut this season. The Miners are averaging 50 points a game while their star backfield is putting up unbelievable numbers running the football. Quarterback Erik Walker has averaged 16 yards a carry while rushing for 1200 yards and 16 touchdowns while running back Dylan Chynoweth has averaged 14 yards a carry while rushing for 1700 yards and 26 touchdowns. Grantsville faces a daunting task trying to slow down the Miners rushing attack but the Cowboys have a lot of heart. KSL Sports staff prediction: Park City 52 Grantsville 7Judge Memorial (4-6) at Delta (6-4), Fri., 5 p.m.
This could be one of the tightest battles of the first round in 3A. Both teams are young, both teams run the triple option, both teams are solid defensively and both have great tradition.
KSL Sports staff prediction: Judge 17 Delta 14
Lower bracketDesert Hills (6-3) at #4 Wasatch (8-2), Sat., 1 p.m.
Wasatch has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround this season. After winning just two games in 2008 the Wasps have 8 wins and are doing it with a high scoring offense. Quarterback Peyton Davis has passed for 2300 yards and 28 touchdowns while averaging 38 points a game. A Desert Hills team that is coming off a 27-20 win over then 2nd ranked Hurricane will challenge them. They also allow just 16 points a game and they will try to slow down the Wasps offense on the road Friday. KSL Sports staff prediction: Desert Hills 14 Wasatch 10Bear River (5-4) at Manti (6-4), Fri., 5 p.m.
This should be another tight first round matchup. Manti is making the transition to 3A this season and claimed a share of the region 12 title with Delta. They host a Bear River team that struggled against their region rivals after starting the season 4-1. This is the first meeting between these two schools. KSL Sports staff prediction: Bear River 27 Manti 21Juab (6-4) at #1 Juan Diego (9-1), Fri., 4 p.m.
Everyone knows this is a tough draw for Juab. Going on the road to face the defending 3A champs will be a giant challenge. Juan Diego is loaded with talent and has averaged 37 points on offense while giving up just 9 points a game on defense. The wasps are led by quarterback Brock Orme and have always had a reputation for playing physical football. KSL Sports staff prediction: Juan Diego 45 Juab 0Union (2-7) at Cedar (6-4), Fri., 4 p.m.
Cedar is led by 1,000-yard rusher Adam Rice who will play Friday after sitting out the last two games with an injury. Union will be a huge underdog against the Redmen and their triple option attack. This is the first meeting between these two schools. KSL Sports staff prediction: Cedar 28 Union 7Class 2A
Saturday's quarterfinals
Kanab (6-4) at #1 San Juan (8-1), 1 p.m.
Parowan (2-7) at #4 South Sevier (8-1), 1 p.m.
Grand (6-4) at #3 Enterprise (6-3), 1 p.m.
#5 Millard (8-2) at #2 South Summit (8-1), Noon
Class 1A
Friday and Saturday's first round
#4 Altamont (5-4) at #5 Milford (5-5), Sat., 1 p.m.
Monument Valley (5-4) at #2 Duchesne (8-2), Fri., 6 p.m.
Note: North champion (Rich) and South champion (Monticello) each receive byes into the semifinals.
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