Class 5A Semifinals: Alta vs. Bingham Preview

The Alta-Bingham rivalry has become the biggest in the state and a must-see matchup any time these two powerhouse programs face each other on the football field. It's no surprise, as good as these teams are, that they have now met in either the semifinals or championship game in each of the last 4 years. These two teams have combined to win the last four 5A championships and it will be tough for Davis or Hunter to change that trend in 2009. Recent games between the Hawks and Miners have always been close. Since 2006, these two teams have met seven times. In those 7 meetings the average margin of victory is just 6 points. The largest margin of victory was a 16-point Bingham win in the first game of the 2006 season. Since that game the average margin of victory is just 4 points a game. This season's meeting was no different. After trailing 28-14 at halftime on their home field, the Miners stormed back in the 2nd half to get the 38-34 victory. Expect another close game on Friday afternoon.

Bingham has averaged 40 points a game while Alta isn't far behind scoring 36 points a game. Both defenses have been tough giving up just 17 points a game and forcing a lot of turnovers. The Miners feature 1,000 yard rusher Harvey Langi who has found the end zone 19 times. They can also get yards through the air led by quarterback Ty Hannay who has thrown 19 touchdowns. Alta also has an impressive offense led by quarterback Jordan Brown who has thrown for 2,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in just 9 games while battling a shoulder injury. Both defenses are loaded with kids who will play at the next level. Braden Anderson leads the Miners with 6 interceptions while A'I Ho-Ching leads Alta with 10.5 sacks.

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