Two teams with dominate defenses will square off Friday, 6:30 p.m. Despite these stingy D’s, it is the offensive side of the ball that people are gushing over.

Two offensive powers that have lit up the scoreboard. Juan Diego, other than the one loss of the year to Idaho powerhouse, Highland, have not scored less than 24 points all season.  The Soaring Eagle have score twice in the 20’s, six times in the 30’s, once in the 40’s and three times in the 50’s.

The Tigers are boasting very enjoyable stats as well with their trio of running backs that make it nearly impossible to defend. Hurricane has had five games in the 20’s, two in the 30’s, three in the 40’s, one 52-point game and one 74-point game in the playoffs. Hurricane boasts wins over three 4-A schools and outplayed 5-A Skyline for three quarters in Week 1.

The Soaring Eagle schedule consists of 4A finalist Springville, which they defeated 24-6, 3A semi-finalist Park City, knocking off the Miners 31-14. JD got crushed by Highland (Idaho) 28-3. The Rams went 8-3, losing in the Idaho state Semi-finals last weekend. Outside of those teams, JD’s schedule is not overwhelming.

Hurricane has played a more difficult schedule, going 3-0 against 4A schools and playing very well against 5A Skyline in the season opener. But the Tigers also had more than their share of fluff, Moapa, Virgin Valley, Canyon View certainly were more a match for the junior varsity team than the big boys.

Juan Diego scores four points for every point they give up, scoring 466 points to just 108. They have four shutouts. Hurricane has scored 460 points, but have given up 212 points on the year. Does this indicates JD’s defense is that much better. No, it means they have not played the competition the Tigers have.

One important factor that could be a factor on both sides of the ball is the loss of Keegan Andersen, who broke his leg in the semi-final game. Andersen, a standout wide receiver and defensive back will be missed more on the offensive side of the ball. With 940 yards in receiving and hauling in 11 TD’s, Andersen can not adequately be replaced. On defense, the senior had six interceptions, but the Tigers are not likely to throw much on Friday regardless of who is at DB or safety.

Keys to the potential outcome will be who wins the turnover battle and time of possession. Hurricane had a few silly penalties and three fumbles, two of which they lost, when no defensive player forced the ball out. One key to the victory over Park City was after spotting the Miners a 12-0 cushion, they took long drives into scores, scoring 21 straight points. Hurricane also had an extended drive that ended the third quarter and took seven minutes off the fourth. That drive did not equate to points, but it did keep PC off the field.

Tiger QB Tim Long seems to be getting better each game, which adds another threat for yards rushing or passing. While not asked to throw much against PC, Long did scamper for 46 important rushing yards.

Game time is at 6:30 and can be heard on totalUTAHpreps.com.  More information can be found on the following links:  DN, DN, DN, DN  Max Max.  Photo by the Spectrum