Week 13 picks

It’s hard to believe that there are only 11 games left in the 2009 high school football season. Eight of those games will be played in the next three days and six of them on the Rice-Eccles turf. It’s a great time of the year and an exciting time for high school football.

John Coon took the lead in the standings in this competition last week. It’s far from over, but he’ll also be tough to catch. The fact that Trevor isn’t going to win this competition seems to have gotten to him.

TP: You play to win the game. HELLO? You play to win the game. I threw that game, I gave it away, by picking it. I gave them the friggin’ game in my opinion -that sucked. Playoffs? Don’t talk about playoffs, you kiddin’ me? Playoffs? I just hope I can beat Friday Night Rider. Now let me tell you right now, Andrew and John are who I thought they were. They’re what I thought they were. I played them in preseason, who the heck takes the third game of the preseason like its bull. I played them in the third game; everybody played three quarters – ANDREW AND JOHN ARE WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE AND THAT’S WHY I TOOK THE FIELD! SO IF YOU WANT TO CROWN THEM, THEN CROWN THEM BUT ANDREW AND JOHN ARE WHO I THOUGHT THEY WERE!…GO AFTER THEM, THEY’RE MEN – THEY’RE 40!…I just got my butt kicked, I couldn’t do diddly poo offensively, I couldn’t make a first down, I couldn’t run the ball, I couldn’t complete a pass – I sucked. I’m not gonna sleep tonight…. (Compliments of: Herman Edwards, Jim Mora, Dennis Green, Mike Gundy, and Kevin Borseth).
OK, let me catch my breath and take a drink of water after that one. Alright, I’m good to go.

AA: I told you he’s upset.

JC: This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year in prep sports. Nothing matches the drama and intensity we’ll see in the games on “the turf” this week. I’m hoping for another solid performance this week to keep the same thing from happening in our picks contest here. A 7-1 mark put me a couple of games ahead of Andrew, Trevor and Friday Night Rider. The finish line is in sight and I’m pulling away from the pack. My three competitors are as doomed as the bad guys in an Indiana Jones movie – although I doubt they will meet their end in a special effects laced supernatural fashion. Just to be on the safe side, though, don’t peer inside any arks or drink from strange looking goblets, guys.

AA: I guess it’s John’s turn to make me google things when I have no idea what he’s talking about. Ok, I think I’m clear on it.

Thursday:
Wasatch vs. Juan Diego
TP: According to Parry’s Power Guide, the point spread for this game is by far the most lopsided out of all the games this weekend. It currently is sitting at 28. That’s right – four touchdowns. Granted, the Wasps had a difficult time with Park City to say the least…a team that Juan Diego beat on the road with its JV quarterback. However, that was weeks ago. Not many teams that find themselves in the semifinals are going to get blown out by 28. Does that mean that I think Wasatch is going to win? Absolutely not. I think Juan Diego is beyond superior to just about every team in the 3A classification. The Soaring Eagle is currently on a 25 game in-state winning streak, and I’d bet my bottom dollar that it extends to 26. Juan Diego 35, Wasatch 21.

JC: The Wasps enjoyed the best turnaround of any team in the state this season. Going from two wins to the 3A semifinals is quite an accomplishment. Drawing the defending 3A champs is problematic though. During its recent five game winning streak, Juan Diego has shut out three opponents and given up 10 total points. That’s 2 points per game just in case you’re wondering. I like Wasatch’s spread offense with Payton Davis at the controls. But I just don’t see how the Wasps can crack through the Soaring Eagle defense enough to pull an upset here. Juan Diego 31, Wasatch 10.

AA: This game could be decided in the first few minutes, and it’s up to Wasatch to keep it from getting out of hand. If Juan Diego gets a couple of early scores, forget it. No team is going to play well from behind against that defense. It’s up to the Wasps to play good defense and not turn the ball over. If Wasatch does that, it could be an interesting game. I’m hoping it isn’t a blowout, but I think Juan Diego is on another level. Juan Diego 35, Wasatch 14

Dixie vs. Springville
TP: This game has given me fits. When I heard that Mike Sharp had been ejected/suspended for the game – It was an easy decision to pick Springville. But, after the UHSAA made the correct decision to reinstate his eligibility – it gave this game every ingredient to be a whole lot of fun. I love the story behind Springville; they haven’t made an appearance on the turf in 24 years. I’m still four years away from being born at that point, that’s how long it is…to me that’s an eternity. However, like I stated last week, I love the way Dixie is playing right now – they’ve got all their chickens in the pen. Therefore, I’ve got my boarding pass, I’ve paid my twenty bucks to check my bag and I’ve passed airport security. It’s time to fly. Dixie 28, Springville 17.

JC: The good news for the Flyers is that the UHSAA overturned Mike Sharp’s one-game suspension after being ejected against Bonneville. Dixie will need their quarterback as they tangle with the Red Devils in a rematch of the season opener for both teams. Back in week one, Springville rallied from a 14-0 deficit behind a pair of third quarter touchdowns from Aaron Gray to win 21-14. These teams also have some playoff history. The Flyers sent the Red Devils home with a 40-36 first-round loss a year ago. Could Dixie be a spoiler again? Maybe. But Springville is a much better defensively than a year ago and it will make a difference this time around. Springville 17, Dixie 10.

AA: I picked both of these teams to lose last week, and boy was that a mistake. Both teams were impressive in their wins and they deserve to be here. With that semi-apology out of the way, it’s a tough game to call. Dixie has been underrated throughout the season and Springville has a tough defense. I can see it going either way, but I think I’ll take a Flyer. Dixie 21, Springville 20

Mountain Crest vs. Timpview
TP: Boy, oh boy I’m excited to see this game. I wasn’t scheduled to help out with this game because I’ll be in my biology lab class until close to kickoff. I know…be jealous. So, when I finally do get to the game, I’ll be in the stands. I’m expecting this to be just as exciting as last year. I picked Mountain Crest to win it all at the start of the year, and I thought I had money in the bank. Timpview, however, has quietly reemerged into the team that we know. It’s hard to pick against the champs, but, defending the title for three years is unbelievable, let alone four years. Change is good, and I feel a new gust of wind from the Mountain Crest stampede headed our direction. There’s a new orange in town boys. Mountain Crest 31, Timpview 28.

JC: Based on how these two offenses are performing, this 4A semifinal rematch could rapidly turn into a shootout. Timpview is averaging 51.3 points per game over its last eight games. Mountain Crest is averaging 42.4 ppg in its last nine. Needless to say both teams have won all of those games. I think the Mustangs have a definite edge coming into this matchup though. The T-Birds count on opponents to be intimidated, but Mountain Crest stayed toe-to-toe with Timpview last year when no one expected it. My instincts tell me the Mustangs can finish what they started a year ago and knock out the defending champs. Mountain Crest 33, Timpview 27.

AA: Intimidation. Good point, John. I have a feeling that Timpview has most of its opponents beat before games even start, and not just because the T-Birds are good. They have a mental edge over their opponents. That won’t be the case with Mountain Crest. The Mustangs have been waiting for this game, and I’m sure Timpview is just as excited. It should be a classic. Mountain Crest 37, Timpview 35

Friday:
Park City vs. Hurricane
TP: If anyone has been following this blog the entire year, they most likely have realized that I’m very proud, and loyal to my preseason picks. I’m still having a hard time with my beloved South Sevier Rams officially out of the playoffs. However, three out of my original five picks are still alive and Park City is one of them. Last week they broke the single season team rushing record. I think Hurricane is a great team, but I just don’t see them beating the Miners. Park City 35, Hurricane 31.

JC: The Miners would seem like an obvious pick to win here. Park City has won 10 straight since its fourth quarter meltdown against Juan Diego. The Miners average 47.8 points per game to lead 3A and both Erik Walker and Dylan Chynoweth are nearly impossible to stop (Just ask their previous 10 opponents). But Hurricane possesses the no. 3 scoring defense in 3A behind Juan Diego and Park City. If they can hold the Miners’ rushing attack and keep it close, panic might set in. Park City does not always function well in close games – a trend the Soaring Eagle used to their advantage in week two. Still, the Miners defense is just as good and can make a play or two at the right time to advance. Park City 24, Hurricane 21.

AA: It seems like we’ve known for months that this game would be played in this round and at this time. Park City’s rushing attack will be tough to stop, but don’t count Hurricane out of this game. It’s going to go down to the wire. I think Park City is just a little better. Park City 14, Hurricane 10

Alta vs. Bingham
TP: Easily the premier rivalry in Utah high school sports. This game is amazing, each and every time. The talent level is so even it’s scary. In fact, it’s exactly the same – according to wins. Since 2003, Alta and Bingham have won 71 games. Yeah, that’s creepy. Being a part of this game in my playing days was an absolute treat. So, let me tell you a story. When my senior year rolled around, we (Alta), hadn’t beat the Miners four straight times and on top of that they beat us in the championship game my junior year. I’ll never forget the sorrow in the locker room following that game. At that exact moment, we dedicated ourselves to get back to that point, and beat Bingham and win a championship. Well, the first time we met them at the beginning of the season – we lost. Granted Justin Sorensen nailed two ridiculous field goals to beat us (59, and 51 yards). When we finally met the Miners again in the semifinals later that year, the motivation and downright hatred towards them had reached a boiling point, propelling us to the big victory. With this being said, although it’s a different situation and scenario. Bingham is fed up with losing to Alta in the playoffs, and I guarantee Dave Peck will remind them of last year before the game. I think Bingham has been a team of destiny since the beginning of the season and will get it done. Bingham 27, Alta 17.

JC: Is this the de-facto 5A championship game? The Alta-Bingham winner has claimed a state title for three straight seasons now. Considering the fact I picked the Miners to win the 5A crown in the preseason, I believe that trend will continue. Do you realize no in-state opponent has held Bingham below 28 points this season? Alta found out how potent that offense is when the Miners dropped 24 unanswered points on the Hawks to rally in the second half for a 38-34 victory in week two. You can bet Alta will love nothing more than to beat the Miners in the playoffs once again. Get ready for another instant classic. Bingham 31, Alta 28.

AA: This rivalry has been fun to follow and the games are always great. I won’t call this the 5A championship game though because Davis and Hunter are both region champions and have earned the right to be here. Still, this is the main event of the high school football week this week and no one can deny that. With that out of the way, I think Bingham is the better team. The Miners’ offensive line and running game is too much for an opponent to handle for four quarters and their front seven is awesome. The injury to Alta linebacker Parker Hausknecht is going to hurt the Hawks this week. Bingham 31, Alta 17

Davis vs. Hunter
TP: Tanner Hinds is a beast. Period. I’m so impressed with the way he runs downhill. Therefore, I’m going to offer a word of advice – do not tackle him high or you’re going to be laying face down in the dirt. Those who attend this game are going to see that type of wined and grind football the entire time. These teams hit and I love it! I have a hard time picking Hunter to win this game. The Wolverines are coming off an emotional four overtime victory of Lone Peak. That not only will wear on you physically, but also mentally. I might have given them a shot if they didn’t play in such a historic game. Davis 24, Hunter 14.

JC: I got to hand it to the Wolverines. Hunter has the offensive chops to keep up with just about any team – something that wasn’t always true with the program in the past. The strides that the Wolverines have made on that side of the ball have been the football equivalent of trading in a Dodge Neon for a Porsche. I fully expect the Darts to give Hunter a stiff test on defense. But the Wolverines have the edge on both sides of the ball in this matchup – and that’s why Hunter will reach its first 5A title game since 2003. Hunter 24, Davis 13.

AA: This game gives me more trouble than any other this week. Hunter came through for me last week when I was the only person to pick it on this blog. Davis eliminated much-hyped Pleasant Grove. Both teams seem to be peaking at the right time, but I think the Darts are a little healthier and will pull it out. Davis 21, Hunter 17

San Juan vs. South Summit
TP: Who you gonna take John? You picked San Juan to win it at the start of the year, but will you betray your knowledge and take the team that lies close to your heart? Knowing John, I’m guessing he’s going to jump ship, and choose the Cats. Therefore, I’ll step in and support the Broncos. San Juan 38, South Summit 24.

JC: There’s no truth to the rumor that I’ll be sprinting around the Alta High football field with the Wildcat players, hoisting up the state title trophy and singing “We are the Champions” if South Summit wins the 2A title game. So let’s put that talk to rest before it gets going. It seems fitting the Wildcats get to face their title game nemesis. San Juan beat them twice – in 1998 and 2000 – to end would-be championship runs. The Broncos certainly have the ability to do it again. They have a 1,000 yard rusher in Jace Holladay and a defense that allows 11.2 points per game. Still, South Summit has 2A’s top scoring defense – allowing just 9.6 points per game – and Levi Thompson is also a 1,000 yard rusher. I know I picked San Juan to win it all before the season. But I’m changing my mind. I’m allowed to do that, you know. South Summit 20, San Juan 17.

AA: There’s no putting to rest that John would be fighting Jerry Parker for the right to run around the field with the state championship trophy if the Wildcats win here. My guess is that John is going to wear green and paint his face green while “covering” this game on Saturday. I feel like I have to take South Summit here. I picked the Wildcats to win it all at the start of the year and I picked them to beat San Juan the first time they played. But I’m pulling a John Coon and changing my mind. San Juan 21, South Summit 19

Rich vs. Duchesne
TP: I don’t have much to say about this game. Not because I’m not interested. In fact, I’ll be attending the game. Everyone and their dogs know that Rich won’t lose. It’s not going to happen. Rich 42, Duchesne 21.

JC: I watched both of these teams last Saturday at Snow College. I came away far more impressed with Rich. The Rebels are a force on both sides of the ball. They have the best offense and defense in 1A. Rich has beaten every opponent by at least four touchdowns this season and still have a bitter taste from last year’s title game loss. I have no reason to believe the Eagles can do anything to stop the Rebels from winning it all this time around. Rich 38, Duchesne 7.

AA: It’s been Rich’s title to win in 1A and like a headline said in the Deseret News last week it’ll take a perfect team to beat the Rebels. If John saw both teams in action last week, I’ll take his word for how this game is going to turn out. Rich 38, Duchesne 7.