North Sanpete (2-1) at Snow Canyon (2-1)
Previous Meeting: Snow Canyon 19, North Sanpete 14 (Sept. 9, 2011 at NS)
HAWKS
Classification: 3A, Region 12
Coach: Matt Roberts (first year, 2-1 overall)
Offense: Wingback, pro-set
Last week: Beat Canyon View 13-7
Players to watch: The offense has been pretty sparse for the Hawks. They haven’t scored more than 13 points in a single game this season. North Sanpete like to run the ball. A lot. QB Brady Wheeler runs the show, but most of his duties are to hand the ball off to RBs Brady Walker, Kaden Poulson and Eddie Maroney.
PPG: 13.7
PAPG: 12.0
Trend: North Sanpete looks like a pretty good defensive team, which new coach Matt Roberts swore would be his emphasis when he took the job over the summer. The Hawks gave up just a safety in a 13-2 win over Union and a single score to Canyon View as well. Stopping Snow Canyon is a whole different animal, though.
WARRIORS
Classification: 3A, Region 9
Coach: Jay Graft (eighth year, 34-37 overall)
Offense: Spread, pro-set
Last week: Beat Park City 51-27
Players to watch: Coach Graft is no dummy. Last year WRs Coop Robinson and Connor Livingston were the strengths of the team, so the Warriors threw the ball. This year, SC’s best talent lies at RB, so the Warriors are rushing it like crazy. RBs Taylor Johansen, Mitch Phillips and Brandon MacFarland as well as QB Mason Smith are all getting it done thanks to a solid offensive line.
PPG: 35.0
PAPG: 20.7
Trend: Coming off a big losing streak, the Warriors have changed their fortunes. It’s now a two-game winning streak and it should reach three tonight. SC shook off that long bus ride blasted Park City, making the five hour bus ride home a lot more enjoyable. Teams that run the ball well are tough to beat and SC runs the ball well.
GAME OUTLOOK
We don’t believe North Sanpete has faced the caliber of athletes Snow Canyon brings to the field tonight. The Hawks might keep it close early, but the talent will prevail. Snow Canyon is building confidence in a relatively easy preseason and there’s nothing wrong with that. They’ll head into their region opener next week against Canyon View with a 3-1 record.
STGnews PREDICTION
Andy Griffin — Snow Canyon
Jeff Ames — Snow Canyon