Davis at Riverton

Riverton will attempt to win their first ever post season game against a very difficult Davis team. This is not the type of matchup that the Silverwolves were hoping for after locking the #2 seed in Region 3. Riverton’s only loss was to powerful Bingham, winners of eight straight and their 7-3 record is impressive. However, it is a valid question to pose whether or not Riverton would have made the playoffs if they played the Darts schedule and battles in the toughest Region in the state.  My answer is no. 

However, it is not going to be easy for the Darts. Zach Spencer is the leading rusher in the state with 1458 yards and had 10 rushing TD’s this season.  In the three games they lost, he wasn’t a factor. Davis has perhaps the best defense in the state, giving up just 7.40 points per game. Look for Tanner Hinds to have a big game against Riverton’s defense, which has given up 21 points per game on average. Hinds has scored 10 times on the ground as well. Look for him to score two more and another pass to Jordan Welk in a 21-7 rout of Riverton.

Northridge at Bingham

Remember when people doubted Bingham? The Miners were 0-2 to open up the season, losing to Skyline and then Alta. It didn’t look good at the time. Then Bingham rolled off eight wins in a row and have a legitimate shot to win the state title.  Northridge has had many ups and downs this season. Key players hurt, an offense that has struggled at times, and at other times, made this game seem as if it could have been for the state championship as well.

Bingham comes into the game with a balanced attack from the ground and air. Sophomore Harvey Langi has been the real deal, scoring 11 times on the year. They also have been tough up top with Jake Soffe connecting with Mike Edmonds on nine TD’s on the season.

This game is not going to be close this year. Northridge is not playing at their peak and Bingham is. Miners 35, Northridge 14

Grantsville at Hurricane

It took a while to write in the opponent for the Tigers as Grantsville endured through a three-way playoff game Tuesday night. The Cowboys prevailed, first against Ben Lomond and then Bear River. It was a sweet victory that is likely to be spoiled by a very sour taste in their mouth come Saturday.

The Tigers have averaged well over 400 yards per game on offense for the past six games and posted an average of 35 points per game this season. They give up just eight.  Gordie Dotson has now scored 24 TD’s on the season and compiled over 1,400 yards on the ground for third in the state.

This game will not even be that close as Gordie Dotson will have his way with the Cowboys and QB Jase Langston will be back to full strength as the Tigers roll to a 44-3 win over Grantsville.

Bonneville at Mountain View

For Laker coach Matt Williams, with a fourth place seed in Region 5, you could not hand pick a better opponent, especially going on the road. Mountain View beat an inconsistent Springville team to claim the #2 seed in Region 7. The Bruins are owners of a losing record overall, as are the Lakers, both teams at 4-5 on the year.

Mountain View looks to be heading south, getting clobbered by Orem 32-0, while the Lakers have won three straight. Bonneville won their opening round game last year in the playoffs and has a great chance to do the same in 2008. Look for the Lakers to knock off the Bruins 24-17 to advance to the quarterfinals.