The Unbeaten Club
A year ago we witnessed Juan Diego and Timpview both complete unbeaten seasons during their respective state title runs. This fall, just five teams can still dream about completing the proverbial perfect season.
One unbeaten team remains in each classification. Here is a look at how they got to this point and what still lies ahead.
Pleasant Grove
Record: 6-0
Key Victories: Timpview, Jordan, West Jordan.
Why the Vikings are unbeaten: The Vikings can quickly overwhelm teams. They have outscored opponents 76-10 in the second quarter this season and 59-14 in the third quarter.
Possible streak ender: Brighton. No team in the state can match the Bengals on the defensive side of the ball. Brighton has allowed just 43 points in six games and the Bengals seem well equipped to beat other Region 4 heavyweights as Alta found out recently.
Bountiful
Record: 7-0
Key Victories: Lone Peak, Woods Cross, Viewmont.
Why the Braves are unbeaten: It helps the Braves have the best scoring defense in 4A. Bountiful allows just 9.3 points per game and has held all but two opponents to single digits on the scoreboard.
Possible streak ender: Highland. The Rams seem to have found their bearings again after a 1-3 start. Highland has shutout its last two opponents — Olympus and Stansbury — by identical 34-0 scores and has allowed just 34 points total in their last four games.
Wasatch
Record: 7-0
Key Victories: Morgan, Judge Memorial.
Why the Wasps are unbeaten: Wasatch has an experienced offensive line and a talented quarterback in Payton Davis that are powering a very strong spread offense. Davis has thrown for 1,735 yards and 29 touchdowns through seven games.
Possible streak ender: Park City. When these two teams play, the scoreboard will likely get lit up in a WAC-style shootout. Among 3A teams, Park City ranks first in scoring offense. Wasatch ranks second.
South Sevier
Record: 7-0
Key Victories: Millard, Richfield.
Why the Rams are unbeaten: Balance. The Rams have a capable stable of running backs led by Landon Leavitt (420 yards, 6 TDs) and a strong passing game powered by quarterback Orion Wilson (926 yards, 10 TDs) and top receiver Dillon Bishoff (528 yards and 6 TDs).
Possible streak ender: Enterprise. Wolves quarterback Slade Moyle might be able to test the the Rams’ defense on the ground and through the air. Moyle has thrown for 1,358 yards and 12 touchdowns while rushing for 456 yards and 14 TDs.
Rich
Record: 6-0
Key Victories: Milford, Altamont.
Why the Rebels are unbeaten: Rich has been completely dominant on both sides of the ball. No team has scored more than 14 points on the Rebels. And the lowest amount they have scored on offense in any one game is 36 points.
Possible streak ender: Duchesne. The Eagles are 2-1 versus higher classification teams this season and seem best equipped to keep it close against Rich — forcing the Rebels into a situation they have not experienced all season.
It will be fun to watch and find out which of these teams can stay unbeaten. Can any of them achieve a perfect season like Juan Diego and Timpview did in ’08? If so, who do you think are the most likely teams to pull it off?
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