Week 1 football picks

We’re back for another season of picks, and like the 100 teams playing high school football season we’ll be taking this one week at a time. Therefore, every pick becomes magnified. We have to bring our ‘A’ game every week. Our team chemistry has to be better. I can’t think of any other clichs to add.
Remember to participate in our grid picks contest where you can pick the winners of these and other games for prizes.

JC: We aren’t immune to the forces of realignment here in the weekly prep picks. I heard rumors about Andrew getting his own TV network or cable access channel or something like that, so I toyed with the idea of going independent. You know, so I could get more exposure and build up my name brand. But an 11th hour deal to keep us all in place was brokered instead. Trevor, I know, is relieved. He was about to be demoted to picking games on Friday Night Rider’s personal blog. Now, with things back to normal, I’m looking forward to successfully defending my title and adding to my newly expanded trophy room.

TP: It’s here. It’s finally here. The smell, the sights, the atmosphere — the unmistaken aroma of high school football has officially made its debut this year. The feeling of game day is like no other. Players across the state of Utah are waking up and putting on their jerseys to go to school — however, focusing on geography isn’t their first priority on a day like this. The excitement that reverberates throughout the bodies of every player is contagious. This year in the annual pick ‘em contest that was created by the godfather of weekly picks Andrew Aragon should be just as exciting as last year. John Coon bested Aragon by one game for the championship game; ironically on the Juan Diego/Hurricane classic Hail Mary state title game. Hopefully, with a year under my belt, I won’t slump into the cellar of pick ‘em again this year and will be holding the trophy come seasons end. Seriously though, let’s get one.

AA: Speaking of seriously, I’m serious about getting my picks title back this season. John needed a miracle play to beat me, and it motivated me all offseason. I reminded myself that picking high school football games is what I do best. It’s what I do better than anyone in the world. And if you think it’s bad that I just quoted “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, just keep reading.

Alta at Cottonwood
JC: This game will be a good barometer of whether or not Cottonwood’s defense can live up to the preseason hype. Alta handled the Colts pretty easily both times the two teams played last season. Since the Hawks have one of the best offensive lines in the state, I see them really putting the Colts talented front seven to the test. Given how badly Alta ran over Cottonwood offensively a year ago, I find it difficult to believe an emotionally charged Colts team can really change the outcome all that much just a season later. And yes, I am aware Cottonwood has a dynamite ex-Alta D-coordinator now. I still like the Hawks here. Alta 35, Cottonwood 21

TP: This is a very interesting game. The Hawks are heavily favored according to Parry’s Power Guide, which I think is a bit misleading. The tragic death of Cottonwood’s head coach Terry Johnson will give extra motivation to the Colts players to play with a greater purpose. I would also like to extend my condolences to the Johnson family for their loss. However, don’t think for one second that the Colts weren’t already extremely talented. This year, Cottonwood will rely on the defensive side of the ball with players such as Luke King, Ben Heiumuli, Anthony Lewis, Kami Sofele and James Washington. With the addition of Ron Halbert, Alta’s ex defensive coordinator and the mastermind behind the 3-5-3 package, Cottonwood should be scary good on the dark side of the ball. With that being said, the Hawks have had Cottonwood’s number for awhile — and Alta is easily one of the most talented teams in the state. I was skeptical about the hype surrounding Alta’s offensive line until I actually saw them play in person. The two tackles are the real deal. With such a dominate line, Taylor Eyring will break lose. I certainly don’t think this will be a blowout, but the Hawks will open the season with a win. Alta 24, Cottonwood 14.

AA: Call me crazy, but I like Cottonwood in this spot. The Colts will be emotional in their opener against Alta, not only because they were stomped by the Hawks twice last year but also because of Teko’s death. I would like to join Trevor in extending some belated condolences to his family. Teko was a year younger than my oldest brother, Max, and a teammate of his at West. Teko’s younger brother, Juice, was a longtime teammate of my brother, Dan. It’s a small world, what can I say. Anyway, I picked Cottonwood in this game last year and it was over about four minutes into it. It will be different this time, partly because of the addition of Halbert to Cottonwood’s staff. That may have been the biggest coaching move of the offseason. Cottonwood 20, Alta 17.

Highland at Mountain Crest
JC: The Rams could never get a handle on Alex Kuresa last season. In leading the Mustangs to two wins over Highland, Kuresa threw for a total of 779 yards and six touchdowns while completing 44 of 60 passes. Mountain Crest also scored 96 total points between the two games. I’m not convinced the Rams have an answer this season either, even with improvements to their pass defense schemes. Mountain Crest 38, Highland 14.

TP: Does anyone hate Mountain Crest more than Highland? Last year these two teams opened the year against one another and the Mustangs took Highland to the wood shed for the first three quarters before the Rams showed promise late in the game. Then, after starting the year 1-3 — Highland reeled off seven straight victories, on its way to the 4A quarterfinals. That’s when they ran into that Mustang Mob and got beat down worse than Daniel Larusso in the original Karate Kid on Halloween night before Mr. Miyagi saved him before Johnny could give him the final high kick — in other words, the scoreboard read 48-7 in favor of Mountain Crest. Therefore, the underclassman for the Rams last year have been preparing for MC since halftime of that quarterfinal matchup. The Rams will rally behind head coach Brody Benson, their version of Mr. Miyagi — and are my pick to be the first upset of the 2010 season. Highland 28, Mountain Crest 21.

AA: This is one of biggest games of the season in 4A, and I’m excited to see it. Wait, I might be covering this game tonight and I might not. I’m afraid to say so for sure. There are some crazy stalkers out there. Anyway, the 48-7 playoff score is somewhat misleading. It was 14-7 at halftime. Highland then made some mistakes, Mountain Crest took advantage of them and the game got out of control. I expect this game to be a fistfight. Highland is always physical and tough. Mountain Crest is bigger and stronger this season. I like Kuresa to make a play late to pull it out, but if they play again the outcome could be different. Mountain Crest 24, Highland 23.

Lone Peak at Bountiful:
JC: Interesting fact about this series: the home team has lost in each of the last four meetings. That isn’t great news for the Braves who are the hosts this time around. I think Lone Peak will have an easier time last year because Bountiful is very inexperienced on both sides of the ball compared to last season. Points will be tough to come by for both teams, but the Knights should be able to get just enough done on offense to scratch out a win. Lone Peak 17, Bountiful 10.

TP: The best part about opening week is the fact that there are so many intriguing games to go watch. This is definitely one of them. It’s a 5A versus 4A matchup, but don’t think the Braves can’t win — because that’s exactly what they did last year at Lone Peak, and they did so convincingly. The two teams have conflicting styles of play. Bountiful has that old school mentality and it wins games playing hard-nosed defense. Lone Peak has the new era feel to its program. The Knights look to put up huge numbers offensively to earn victories. The only problem with that method is it usually takes longer to gel on the offensive side of the ball to begin with, and turnovers usually come in large supply. That’s exactly what happened last year — and Bountiful had a field day. If the Knights can conservatively put the ball in the end zone, and cut down on costly mistakes, they’ll escape this year with a win. Lone Peak 14, Bountiful 10.

AA: All I really needed to know was what John said about the home team losing the last four. Good enough for me! Lone Peak 21, Bountiful 6.

Skyline at Hurricane
JC: Maybe I’m going out on a limb here, but I think Hurricane has a good shot at pulling off the upset. When these two teams last met in a season opener, the Tigers gave Skyline all it could handle after digging a 21-0 first quarter hole. I have a hunch that Hurricane will be ready to muster a quicker start this time. There’s a ton of experience in that backfield with Jarom Healey and Robert Reeve. Of course, the Eagles have an equally strong running game with Andy Rounds and C.J. Ubani. It should be one of the best – and closest – games of the night. Hurricane 20, Skyline 17.

TP: The difference between a 5A school and 3A school is incrementally huge. It’s extremely hard to imagine a 3A school beating a 5A school; however, the Tigers gave Skyline everything they wanted and more last year. With Skyline traveling south this year, this game is very interesting. I’ve actually been joking with John for several weeks now that Hurricane will upset Skyline and shock the state. It’s assuming to think that’s possible, but in reality, it isn’t. Although I think it’ll be close to begin with, eventually Skyline will pull away and earn the win. Skyline 31, Hurricane 17.

AA: I land somewhere in the middle of John’s and Trevor’s picks for this game. I don’t think Hurricane pulls off the upset, and I don’t think it’s a blowout. I also don’t think there’s much of an enrollment number difference between the two schools. It will be a great game, but Skyline will pull it out. Skyline 28, Hurricane 27.

Springville at Dixie
JC: A rematch of one of last year’s 4A semifinals. The Flyers nearly completed an impossible rally at Rice-Eccles, coming from 29-0 down entering the fourth quarter to driving for a potential game-tying touchdown until Zach Gardanier made a game-saving interception for the Red Devils in the final minute. The bad news for a rebuilding Dixie team is that Springville also remembers that fourth quarter collapse that nearly cost them a spot in the 4A title game. The Red Devils won’t make the same mistake twice. Springville 28, Dixie 10

TP: What a way to kick-start the season with a rematch of the 4A semifinal game. This is going to be a great game. Last year, midseason, Steve Bate emerged at the quarterback position for Springville with 18 touchdowns and just over 800 yards passing. Those numbers will see a large increase drastically this season. I think the Devils are the real deal, and might still take second in Region 8. Much like last year, the Flyers will be grounded by the Devils. Springville 21, Dixie 7.

AA: Boy, it’s going to be hot in St. George tonight. I’m glad I’ll be at an undisclosed location somewhere else in the state. Last year’s semifinal game was crazy, and you have to give Dixie a lot of credit for battling back the way they did. I see Bate, who’s as good in baseball as he is in football, being the difference against a rebuilding Dixie team. Springville 28, Dixie 13.

Logan at Bear River
JC: The Bears absolutely drilled the Grizzlies when these two teams met last season. Granted, Logan returns a bunch of defensive starters. But when your defense gave up 60 points to Bear River a year ago, how much difference will that really make? Blowouts have been the norm the last three years in this rivalry, but I think this time things will be much closer with both teams improved from a season ago. Bear River 30, Logan 27

TP: The Bears were my selection to exceed expectations this year. I truly believe Bear River will do some exciting things this year. They have the players to do so. Payton Wells is one of the most explosive backs in 3A. As a junior, he rushed for 1,106 yards and 11 scores. Look for Bear River to feed him all day long in the season opener. Defensively, Hunter Pane and Jacob Rees are partners in crime. The two simply wreak havoc on opposing teams. Payne led 3A in tackles last season with 128, and Rees tallied 93, which ranked sixth in the 3A level, respectively. The Grizzlies for years dominated the 3A ranks, and had a rough welcoming to 4A last season. I still believe Logan is in the rebuilding stage, and will once again struggle this year — not to mention the Grizzlies gave up 60 points to these same Bears one year ago. Bear River 35, Logan 24.

AA: These guys must not have read my stirring Logan season preview. Don’t they know that the Grizzlies have two potentially great quarterbacks in D.J. Nelson and Lucas Falk? Don’t they know that those eight returning defensive starters will benefit from having a year of experience? Don’t they know that Mike Favero was in a much better mood, with much more confidence when I met with him this summer compared to last? Well no, they didn’t and that was my ace up my sleeve or whatever that saying is. In a Favero-is-more-confident-and-these-guys-didn’t-read-my-preview-winning-picks-special, Logan wins tonight. Logan 30, Bear River 27.

Northridge at Sky View
JC: The Knights should be a tough team to deal with this fall. Jordan Lee is a potential 1,000 yard rusher and the defense returns seven starters. The Bobcats are a little inexperienced at most positions, but the defensive line is tough and their spread attack is tough for most teams to stop. If you are wondering who will have the edge here, consider this: Sky View has beaten a Region 1 opponent in its season opener for five consecutive seasons now. Making it six in a row shouldn’t be that hard to do. Sky View 30, Northridge 27

TP: Both of these teams are expecting great things this year — and mostly on defense. The Bobcats have the fearsome four in Jaren Balls, Zach McKinley, Jordan Nielsen and Colby Villaneva, who combined for an eye opening 287 tackles, and 24 sacks. Did anyone else play last year for Sky View? That’s an absurd amount of stats for four players. Just when you think that’s impressive, Brock Johnson for Northridge led 5A in tackles last season with 112, and his teammate Travis Holder had 97 takedowns. The Knights also have Jordan Lee in the backfield who found the end zone 10 times last season. This group of kids at Northridge has progressed into legitimate contenders after losing every game as sophomores. The Knights will take the next step in beating Sky View to open the year. Northridge 28, Sky View 17.

AA: Ok, these guys have obviously read my previews on these teams. Regardless of that, I think this is one of the toughest games to pick tonight. Sky View is confident it can contend for a 4A championship, and its defensive line is impressive. Great line from Trevor, wondering if anyone else played for the Bobcats last season. I like Northridge, despite Sky View’s recent success against Region 1 opponents. The Knights feel like they have something to prove this season, and I think they’ll be one of the most improved teams in the state. Northridge 27, Sky View 24.

Pine View at East
JC: I really believe the Leopards are a team that can surprise a lot of people. Last year’s 1-8 campaign was more due to turmoil on the coaching staff than a lack of talent. Brandon Matich had tons of success in the triple option at Park City and he has enough pieces in place – starting with senior QB Tanner Curtis – to make it work at East too. Pine View struggled to find consistency on offense last season and did not beat a single 4A team. Uh oh. Don’t tell the Panthers, but East is a 4A team. East 24, Pine View 21.

TP: This is actually the game that I’ll be attending Friday night. I really want to see the three headed dragon on defense for Pine View. Will Bangerter, Isaac Katoa and Ty Matavao are as good as it gets on defense and combined for 298 tackles and 34 sacks. Way to one up Sky View there. Throw in Andrew Misa’s 60 tackles and two sacks and we’ve got a party. The Panthers will also be impressive on offense with Alec Mecham running the show. I’m also excited to see new head coach Brandon Matich revamp the East program again. I do however, think that Pine View is ready to contend right now, and is a legitimate to advance far into the 4A playoffs. Pine View 35, East 28.

AA: Well, just as I said Northridge will be one of the state’s most improved teams, I’m willing to bet that East will experience the biggest turnaround in the state this season. But that success will have to start after tonight. You’ve got a new coach and a new system at East, going against a veteran Pine View team that should win Region 9 and be back as a 4A contender. It’ll be a good game, but the Panthers will pull it out. It will be the first of two losses East suffers at the hands of a team nicknamed the Panthers this season. Take that Matich! Pine View 26, East 22