GAME PREVIEW CAPSULE
Cedar (0-6, 0-3) at Dixie (6-1, 3-1)
Previous Meeting – Dixie 28, Cedar 26 (Oct. 7, 2011 at Cedar)
REDMEN
Classification: 3A, Region 9
Coach: Todd Peacock (26th year, 153-120-1 overall)
Offense: Wishbone, Wingback
Last week: Lost to Snow Canyon 27-24
Players to watch: Cedar’s offense finally got untracked in the first half of last week’s game, scoring 21 before intermission against Snow Canyon. Unfortunately, QB Easton Weaver and the Redmen managed just a PK Jeff Rogers field goal after the break, losing a close one to the Warriors. Rogers is a good one, but Cedar needs more help from its running game. FB Dallin Grover stepped up in relief of Kolton Harris and rushed for 79 yards last week.
PPG: 13.7
PAPG: 28.8
Trend: Another close loss for Cedar. At 0-6, the Redmen have to be frustrated, especially with close games in three of those six losses. The offense was better than it has been, scoring a season-high 24 against Snow Canyon, but found nothing but frustration after halftime. SC outscored the Redmen 14-3 after half. So what can Cedar do to break the streak, which now stands at seven straight losses? Control the ball and avoid turnovers is the answer. Easier said than done against a good Dixie team.
FLYERS
Classification: 3A, Region 9
Coach: Blaine Monkres (23rd year, 163-87 overall)
Offense: Spread
Last week: Beat Canyon View 54-13
Players to watch: What a game QB Blake Barney had last week vs. CV. He threw for 289 yards and five touchdowns, plus rushed for 133 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t play much after halftime, either. RB/WR Tanner Webster also had a nice game, rushing for a TD and catching three passes for 140 yards and two TDs. WR Mitch Wilkinson continues to get a more touches as he makes things happen.
PPG: 40.3
PAPG: 18.3
Team stats: http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/high-school-sports/mens-football/dixie-stats
Trend: Dixie passes some big tests earlier this season and has now hit an easier stretch of the schedule. The Flyers actually finish their regular season next week at Snow Canyon, then draw their region bye the last week of the year. It’s not a bad deal, really, taking a week off to get ready for the playoffs. But watch out for Cedar this week. The winless Redmen are hungry and better than their 0-6 record would indicate.
GAME OUTLOOK
Before Pine View came along and way before Snow Canyon and Desert Hills existed, this was THE rivalry in southern Utah. They used to battle for a hatchet or a bell or a cup or something. Students played pranks on the other school’s team, stole mascots and generally didn’t like each other. Now the rivalry has lost some of its luster. But ask any of the old-timers and they’ll tell you that this game is an intense one. That being said, Dixie is big favorites tonight. But Cedar will compete. That’s one thing for sure.
STGnews PREDICTION
Andy Griffin (29-5) — Dixie
Jeff Ames (29-5) — Dixie
Region 9 standings: http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/high-school-sports/mens-football-standings
Region 9 leaders: http://www.stgeorgeutah.com/high-school-sports/mens-football-leaders