SALT LAKE CITY - While the more marquee matchups are making the UHSAA administrators tickle with delight, knowing that a big payday is at hand, the Hurricane-Juan Diego matchup may be the best actual game of the bunch. With just one loss in 26 games between them, this looks as if it has the makings of a flat out classic.

Both teams prefer to grind it out on the ground, sprinkling enough pass plays in to keep the other team honest.  It is a matchup that could likely repeat itself in the future years as both programs appear to be headed for powerhouse status with the new 3A alignment beginning in 2009. Don’t be shocked if we don’t see both teams back here next November.

But in the mean time, beginning at 10:30 a.m. the Soaring Eagles and the Tigers will looking for any possible edge to win the trophy.

So we will also look at certain matchups that may prove pivotal Friday.

1.     COACHES

      JD - John Colosimo 9^th year 81-24 at JD; 2 state championships

      Hurricane - Chris Homer 40-36 7^th year 2 Region 9 titles

Advantage Colosimo. He has built a powerhouse out of scratch. After leaving Judge Memorial, Colosimo has won two 2A titles and made it to another final. This is their first final game since 2004. JD is only in its eight year of existence.

2.     QUARTERBACKS

      JD- Brian May 59-119 49% 1152 yards

      H – Jase Langston 83-145 57% 1075 yards

Advantage Even -Both QB’s have been efficient in what has been asked of them. Both teams are primarily running teams that use the pass to mix up the run. Both signal callers can run the ball as needed. Look for Langston to execute the QB draw to perfection. May and Langston will do nothing to hurt their respective teams and will likely be a significant factor in a win. Whichever QB steps up the biggest will hold the trophy at 1:00 p.m.

3.     RUNNING BACKS

      JD - Tyler Morales 123 carries 1,044 yards 17 TD’s

      H – Gordie Dotson 261 carries 1,763 yards 27 TD’s

Advantage Dotson -Morales wasn’t even the primary back as the season began. He has filled in more than admirably when given the chance. He has averaged 8.3 yards per carry in the playoff run.

 Dotson is the most powerful and durable FB in the state and has now started in 32 straight games beginning in his sophomore year. Experience and toughness give Dotson the edge.

4. OFFENSIVE LINE

Advantage Juan Diego – Size matters and the Soaring Eagles have it and then some. This is the unit that has helped JD be the top scoring team in the state. With Jamie Markosian leading the charge, this battle in the trenches will be very fun to watch.

That being said, the Tigers front line, led by All-State selection Ryan Butler and center Justin Edwards, this unit is outstanding as well. You don’t let Dotson score 27 times and rack up 2,000 all purpose yards without something working. 

5.     DEFENSIVE LINE

Advantage Juan Diego – Both teams will have many players going both ways in the trenches. JD has limited opponents to a meager 5.3 points per game. This line is the reason why. They punish running backs and have the size and speed to pop a Quarterback as needed. They are aggressive and will be tough to contain.

6.     LINEBACKERS

Advantage – Hurricane – It is rare that you could have an all-state player that doesn’t start, but with the talented linebacking unit of the Tigers, that may be the case. With Ian Gates, Riley Pentico and Fernando Sefita in the middle and only two of them in on any given play, this trio has been murder on offensives all year. Time and time again, one of these three has come up with critical fumbles, tackles and plays at crucial times.

7.     SECONDARY

Advantage – Hurricane – It would be hard in the 5A or 4A games later on Friday to find a more athletic group than the Tigers quartet.  With All-State corner Gary Bracken leading the charge with 9 interceptions and safety Tyler Ewell with  7 picks of his own,  passing on this group if often futile.

8.     SPECIAL TEAMS

Advantage – even – Hurricane has a solid kicking game from brothers Justin and Corey Edwards. Corey has hit 45-49 extra points and is now 3-5 on FG’s. Elder brother Justin punts for over 40 yards per boot.  Why this matchup is even is defensively, Hurricane has gotten beat on kickoff returns and has been vulnerable on trick plays.  JD hasn’t been much better with a sporadic kicker and perhaps the one area the Soaring Eagles haven’t exactly soared in this season.

So who wins…

      JD hasn’t seen a RB like Dotson all year. Dotson hasn’t been hit by a defensive like JD’s. If Dotson can muster 150 yards on the ground, Hurricane will win.

      If the O-line of JD is able to control the Tigers D-line and dominate the time of possession statistic, JD could run away with this one.

      Look for a player who is not in the spotlight much to come up big. It is going to come down to a play or two in the fourth quarter. Hurricane has gone to Dotson so often near the goal line that it has completely free up Jacob Pugh and Zach Sorenson to score easy TD’s. Pugh made a big catch for a TD last week against Morgan.

      It is often a overused cliché, but defense wins championships.  Turnovers will be the difference in the game and that is the reason why Hurricane will win in a close 17-13 battle.  A late pick by Bracken will seal the deal for the Tigers.