High School Playoffs Preview

Region 1 Playoff games.

West at Davis features a match up between two schools that have not met on the gridiron since late governor and Dart alum Cal Rampton lived in the Governor's mansion.  Surprising considering the relative proximity of the two schools.  The 1971 meeting was a defensive battle won by Davis 9 to 6.  That will likely not be the outcome as one of Utah's best running backs, Tanner Hinds, takes the field for Davis.  The Panthers have a solid backfield themselves.  Tana Afeaki also had a 1000 yard season.  The West backfield also has Anetipa Vaisagano.  So, the team that will win is the team that can better establish their running game and control the clock.  Davis should have the better defense.  Davis 21 West 14

Skyline at Syracuse features one of the most storied football traditions in Utah traveling to take on a school in it's third year of existence.  Obviously, this is the first meeting between Eagles and Titans on the football field.  When the Eagles have the ball, you have the classic battle between the irresistible force taking on the immovable object.  The concern is that the Titan offense lacked enough muster to get by a Layton team that was saving their star player for basketball season.  There are two questions that will be answered Friday.  Will the Syracuse offense get back on track?  Will Chase Dunford and company be able to move the ball against the mighty Titan defense?  This game could be another defensive battle.  Skyline 13 Syracuse 6.

Viewmont at Cottonwood looks like anything but a mismatch on paper.  The Vikings did not win a game outside of the region this year.  Cottonwood has been one of the best 4-A programs that has moved up to 5-A.  But these guys are bruisers and can play.  The Vikings have been brilliant at times this year, but at other times no so much.  They got the upset victory over Davis and then followed it us with a shootout loss at home to Fremont.  Cottonwood is also good when they are at their best.  This is a good game and probably the most difficult to pick.  I will give a point to my Alma Mater.  Viewmont 34 Cottonwood 33

Weber at Hunter has a lower seeded team that got off to a slow start, but then got the ship going in the right direction by the end of the season, other than a late season loss at Syracuse.  Do the Wolverines have the tools on defense to contain David Daines?  Can Weber shut down Ekuasi Tavo?  Should be an exciting game.  Hunter 35 Weber 33

Fremont at Alta was the reward for the Silver Wolves for their late-season win at Viewmont.  Some reward.  Alta has too many weapons.  There will be a lot of exciting games in the first round of the playoffs, but Brody Garr and company have their hands full with this one...too full.  Alta 28 Fremont 17