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  • Oregon vs. Penn State picks, odds

    Oregon vs. Penn State picks, odds

    It has been 52 years since an NFL season ended with an undefeated team. It has been nearly five decades since Bobby Knight’s Hoosiers completed their perfect season. 

    In college football, it is commonplace. 

    Michigan ran the table last season, the fifth national champion in six years to go undefeated. In six of the past nine national title games, both teams entered unbeaten. The BCS era (1998-2013) produced 19 perfect seasons. 

    This season has been an unusually chaotic mess. The highest-ranking teams have been as untrustworthy as any group since the 2007 season, which featured the only two-loss national champion (LSU) of the modern era. 

    The reigning champs (Michigan) suffered as many losses in their first seven games as they had the previous three years. The most dominant team of the decade (Georgia) lost as many games as it had the previous three seasons. The most dominant team of the generation (Alabama) lost its aura without Nick Saban, with its most losses in 14 years. 

    Following a decade when no playoff team had more than one loss, the 12-team field could include as many as eight teams with multiple losses — including Alabama (9-3) — and conclude with one of the least-celebrated champions of the era. 

    Unless Oregon is the last team standing. 

    Following Ohio State’s loss to Michigan, No. 1 Oregon (12-0) — the nation’s top-ranked team for seven straight weeks — has finally become the betting favorite for the national championship, a decade after losing the first College Football Playoff title game. 

    The Ducks have been building toward this moment. Under Dan Lanning — who won a national championship as an assistant at Alabama and another as Georgia’s defensive coordinator — Oregon went 10-3 in his first season. The Ducks went 12-2 last season, with those losses coming by a total of six points against the national championship runner-up (Washington). 

    This year’s group has won by an average of nearly 20 points per game, defeating No. 6 Ohio State, No. 10 Boise State and No. 21 Illinois. Oregon again boasts one of the best offensive lines in the nation, allowing just five sacks in its past 10 games. Graduate transfer — and one-time Heisman favorite — Dillon Gabriel became the NCAA’s all-time leader for total touchdowns. The Ducks defense ranks among the top 10 units in the nation, most recently recording 10 sacks against Washington, while limiting star running back Jonah Coleman to three yards rushing. 

    The choice in the Big Ten title game is simple: Oregon (-3.5), the most consistent team in the country, or James Franklin, who has ridden an ultra-soft schedule to his 21st meeting at Penn State against a top 10 opponent (2-18). 

    Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the third quarter of Penn State’s home victory over Maryland on Nov. 30, 2024. AP

    Western Kentucky (+3.5) over JACKSONVILLE STATE

    The Hilltoppers on Saturday knocked off the Gamecocks, whose coach, Rich Rodriguez, is surrounded by rumors he will soon leave the program. Even if Jacksonville State quarterback Tyler Huff — a game-time decision — returns from an ankle injury, the dual-threat quarterback will be limited in what he does best in the rematch. 

    Unlv (+4) over BOISE STATE

    The Broncos won last year’s Mountain West Championship with ease against UNLV. This season, Boise State went to Las Vegas and left with a win. UNLV, though, has the ingredients to pull the upset, with a top-15 run defense that held Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty to his worst performance of the season (3.9 yards per carry). The Broncos deserved a chance to play for a national championship under Chris Petersen, but now carry the weight of Idaho against a team with eight straight road wins. 

    Black Knights quarterback Bryson Daily runs with the ball during Army’s 29-24 home win over UTSA on Nov. 30, 2024. Danny Wild-Imagn Images

    ARMY (+4.5) over Tulane

    A team stacked with players raised below the Mason-Dixon Line won’t enjoy the freezing temperatures beside the Hudson River. The tougher team will be made clear in the trenches, where Tulane’s defensive line has been pushed around in all three of its losses, allowing an average of 211 yards rushing. In leading the nation’s best ground game, Bryson Daily will wrap up his incredible career at West Point with an unforgettable AAC Championship performance. 

    Arizona State (-2.5) over Iowa State

    The Cyclones achieved their first 10-win season in school history, with one of the softest schedules in the Big 12 and the league’s top-scoring defense, averaging nearly two takeaways per game. The Sun Devils, tied for seventh in the nation in fewest turnovers, would be wise to ride criminally under-discussed star running back Cam Skattebo against a defense ranked 112th against the run. 

    Miami (Ohio) (-3) over Ohio

    Sixth-year Redhawks quarterback Brett Gabbert will claim his third MAC title (second consecutive). Miami’s 30-20 win in the rivalry in October is more impressive than the box score suggests, having allowed a pair of garbage-time touchdowns to the Bobcats. 

    Carson Beck throws a pass during the second half of Georgia’s win over Florida on Nov. 2, 2024. AP

    Georgia (+2.5) over Texas

    The Longhorns faced one team this season that currently has a number next to its name. That game, in Austin, ended with Georgia handing Texas the worst home loss, 30-15, of a No. 1 team in 42 years. The Bulldogs received their wake-up call in the eight-overtime thriller against Georgia Tech and will find the form of the team with three double-digit wins over potential playoff teams (Texas, Tennessee, Clemson). Carson Beck has recovered from his midseason slump, throwing 11 touchdowns with no interceptions in the past three games. He carries an 8-3 career record against ranked teams into a de facto home game in Atlanta. 

    Marshall (+5.5) over LOUISIANA

    The Thundering Herd can limit how much Louisiana’s explosive offense has the ball, with a ground game averaging nearly 200 rushing yards per game. Defensive lineman Mike Green can also disrupt the Cajuns’ rhythm, entering a half-sack shy (16) of the most in the nation. Marshall is 4-0 against the spread as an underdog this season. 

    Betting on College Football?

    Smu (-2.5) over Clemson

    The line opened with the Tigers as the favorite, but the brand name isn’t fooling anyone anymore. No. 17 Clemson (9-3) has no business being anywhere near the playoff, reaching the ACC Championship without earning one win over any of the other six teams with a winning record in the conference. SMU’s (11-1) elite defensive front will keep the offense of Clemson — averaging less than 21 points in its past four games — scuffling. 

    Best bets: Oregon, Unlv, Arizona State 
    This season: 111-98-1 (17-24-1) 
    2014-23 record: 1,272-1,206-30

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  • Texas High School Football 2024-25: Which Team Has the Best Shot at the State Championship?

    Texas High School Football 2024-25: Which Team Has the Best Shot at the State Championship?

    In the world of Texas high school football, the stakes soar as high as the vibrant lights that illuminate the Friday night games. It’s a captivating narrative reminiscent of the iconic Remember the Titans, where determination, triumph, and collaborative efforts merge in breathtaking clashes. As the playoffs intensify, the pressure mounts, akin to the heart-pounding final minutes of a championship match. This weekend, as regional powerhouses collide, every single yard becomes crucial, and each play possesses the potential to etch an indelible legacy. The path towards the coveted state title is still long and uncertain, leaving us to wonder: who will emerge triumphant and claim their place in history?

    The game turned out to be much more intense than expected. As the Texas High School season progresses, only eight teams remain in each 11-man classification. With each passing day, the battle for fan support becomes even more heated. However, predicting which team has a chance to win the state championship is quite difficult. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hurt to highlight some of the top teams in the Texas High School. These teams will compete against each other in the regional finale and eventually make it to the state championship. One such team is the North Crowley Panthers, who have won 13 consecutive games this season. They were also one of the top teams in last year’s semifinals.

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    Even North Crowley’s opponents are no less impressive in terms of performance and gameplay. One such opponent is the Allen Eagles, who have achieved 13 wins this season. The upcoming faceoff between these two teams is bound to be interesting, as the Eagles’ defense has been outstanding, surpassing the Panthers’ imagination. Throughout the year, the Eagles have not allowed their opponents to score more than 21 points. If this trend continues, there is a strong possibility that the Allen Eagles will emerge as the ultimate victors. Furthermore, the list of top-rated teams in Texas High School football is extensive. Let’s take a closer look at it.

    More Texas High School teams in the run

    If we are talking about top teams with the best shot at winning the state championship, then how can we miss out on undefeated North Shore (13-0) vs. Atascocita (12-1)? Their battle is something really intriguing. The North Shore is fresh off a win against Katy last week, and every high school fan is eager to witness their faceoff, as the Mustangs have already won 4 times against Atascocita. Now let’s see if this year will be any different or not!

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    Next up we also have another undefeated team in the league, the Duncanville Panthers (12-0), vs. the Bridgeland Bears (12-1). No. 2 ranked Duncanville is set to enter the finals for the third time in a row. Now it’s more about the legacy rather than just winning. Then from the class 6A division, we have the Southlake Carroll Dragons (13-0) vs. the Denton Guyer Wildcats (10-3) going up against each other. Both teams have their own strengths and weaknesses, but one point that can’t be overlooked is that Guyer has won two games against the Wildcats. Now with all these intense matchups coming our way, let’s wait and see which team ultimately lifts the state championship trophy.

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  • Football: Alexandria alum Clayton Birdsall enjoy unique role with Bemidji State – Alexandria Echo Press

    Football: Alexandria alum Clayton Birdsall enjoy unique role with Bemidji State – Alexandria Echo Press

    BEMIDJI — The Bemidji State football team is in the midst of a historic season. The Beavers have advanced to the NCAA DII Tournament quarterfinals for the first time ever after a Gabe Ward 75-yard fumble return for a touchdown, which gave them a 20-19 win over Western Colorado in the second round of the

    NCAA DII Tournament on Nov. 30.

    One player who is a part of this historic run is Alexandria graduate Clayton Birdsall. Birdsall, a 6-foot 290-pound redshirt sophomore offensive lineman, has worked himself into a unique spot in Bemidji’s offensive lineup.

    Birdsall is a backup offensive line but also gets playing time as a tight end/fullback for the Beavers (10-3).

    “It’s different, but it’s super fun,” Birdsall said about the role he plays on the team. “I’m a center but also have stepped into a role as a tight end and fullback. It’s been a good change that I’ve enjoyed.”

    Growing up, Birsdall mostly played on the offensive and defensive line. Birdsall and his family moved from Big Lake to Alexandria ahead of the 2020-21 school year.

    Being a standout at Alexandria led him to get a spot on Bemidji State’s roster

    . Now, he is maintaining a role as a reserve offensive lineman and becoming a fullback and tight end.

    Birdsall has played in all 13 games for the Beavers this season.

    Birdsall is officially listed as No. 64 on Bemidji State’s roster but wears No. 88 to be eligible in the offense.

    He’s helped pave the way for a Bemidji State rushing attack that is 27th in the country in rushing yards per game (180.8).

    Bemidji State is averaging 25.77 points per game this season and is holding opponents to 15.85 points per game.

    Offensively, Bemidji State is averaging 359.5 yards per game.

    The Beavers offensive line has done a good job of protecting the quarterback, as they’ve only allowed 15 sacks in 13 games.

    Birdsall spent his first two seasons playing strictly offensive line but began playing in his new roles for the Beavers during fall camp this season.

    “During fall camp, they talked about putting me in as tight end or full back in short yardage or goalline situations,” Birdsall said. “On the third play of the

    first game of the season

    , our starting fullback went down with an injury. It became my time to roll. On the sidelines, they’ve been teaching me things and telling me what to do.”

    “There wasn’t too much of a transition. I’m kind of a glorified offensive lineman with how they play me. I’m in the backfield moving around and blocking linebackers.”

    Birsdall is also on the Beavers’ kick return team. In a game against Wayne State on Nov. 2, 2024, he had one kick return for 10 yards.

    “That’s a different role for me because I’m playing with a lot of skill guys,” Birdsall said. “It’s different but fun.”

    00000-DvSs9E9T.jpg
    Alexandria native Clayton Birdsall (88) pictured along with Dante Draghicchio (70) and Blake Carlson (71) after Bemidji State’s NCAA DII Tournament win over Western Colorado in Gunnison, Colorado, on Nov. 30, 2024.

    Contributed photo

    Birdsall was recently one of 53 Bemidji State student-athletes to earn NSCI Fall Academic Team recognition for maintaining a GPA of 3.6 or higher.

    Birdsall and the Beavers started their postseason with a 24-14 on the road over Angelo State on Nov. 23 in San Angelo, Texas.

    The Beavers kept their positive momentum going with their 20-19 win over Western Colorado in Gunnison, Colorado.

    “That was a huge accomplishment,” Birdsall said. “I’ve been with a lot of these guys for a while now, and it’s fun to have this experience with them. This is what we’ve worked for.”

    In the NCAA DII Tournament quarterfinals, Bemidji State takes on Minnesota State Mankato in Mankato at 2 p.m. on Saturday. This game is being live-streamed on ESPN+ and will be broadcast on 92.1 FM.

    Minnesota State Mankato defeated Bemidji State with a last-second field goal, 31-29, on Sept. 7, 2024, in Mankato.

    “We’re excited for the opportunity to potentially make some more history,” Birdsall said.

    The winner of the Bemidji State versus Minnesota State Mankato plays either Ferris State or Harding in the semifinals on Dec. 14, 2024.

    ApbnHyfj.jpg
    Alexandria alum Clayton Birdsall returns a kick for Bemidji State during a game against Wayne State on Nov. 2, 2024, at Chet Anderson Stadium in Bemidji.

    Contributed photo

    Sam Stuve

    Sam Stuve covers a variety of sports in the Douglas County area. He also is assigned to do some news stories as well.



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  • Coordinator candidates for Oklahoma State football to replace Kasey Dunn, Bryan Nardo with | Football

    Coordinator candidates for Oklahoma State football to replace Kasey Dunn, Bryan Nardo with | Football

    After a 3-9 finish to the 2024 season, change is coming to Oklahoma State football.

    On Wednesday afternoon, Action Network reported the firings of offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn after five seasons and defensive coordinator Bryan Nardo after two seasons. The move comes less than one week removed from a season-ending 52-0 loss to Colorado at Folsom Field, marking OSU’s first losing season since 2005. It also marked the first time in 30 years where the Cowboys have gone winless (0-9) in Big 12 play.

    The Cowboys had their worst five-year offensive stretch in total offense and scoring offense under head coach Mike Gundy since Dunn’s promotion from wide receivers coach to offensive coordinator ahead of the 2020 season.

    OSU’s defense this season was also the worst during Gundy’s tenure.

    Here are some potential replacement options for Dunn and Nardo:

    Potential offensive coordinators

    Mike Yurcich, former OSU offensive coordinator

    OSU fans have advocated for change. But why steer clear of something that worked well?

    Yurcich served as OSU’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2013-18, producing Mason Rudolph, James Washington, Tylan Wallce, Justice Hill and others. The Cowboys averaged at least 38 points per game and ranked in the top 20 nationally in total offense each year under Yurcich, with the exception of 2014.

    He was fired as Penn State’s OC midseason in 2023, so he’s available if Gundy is willing to bring him back.

    Zac Robinson, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator

    This one might be far-fetched, but it’s not impossible.

    Robinson, a former OSU quarterback from 2006-09, has remained a beloved figure in OSU football lore. He led the Cowboys to consecutive nine-win seasons from 2008-09 and played as a backup quarterback in the NFL for 2010-13.

    He is in his first season as the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator. Through 12 games, the Falcons are eighth in the NFL in total offense and are averaging 22.5 points.

    Robinson, 38, is widely considered one of the rising stars in the NFL coaching ranks — including by his former head coach, Gundy.

    Many might wonder how Gundy could steer his former pupil away from the NFL. And the most logical answer would be a head-coach-in-waiting position tethered to his hypothetical offensive coordinator role. After all, Gundy is 57. Who knows how much longer he will want to be a head coach?

    Dirk Koetter, Boise State offensive coordinator

    This one might not be as popular, simply due to Koetter’s age (65), but it’s worth a shot.

    Koetter is in his first season as Boise State’s full-time offensive coordinator after serving as the school’s interim OC for the second half of the 2022 season. The Broncos are fifth nationally in total offense (478.2 yards per game) and third in scoring offense (40.6 points per game).

    And not to mention, he’s helped likely Doak Walker Award winner and Heisman Trophy candidate running back Ashton Jeanty’s surge.

    If you’re Gundy, why not give Koetter an opportunity?

    Jordan Davis, North Texas offensive coordinator

    OSU’s best offensive years came from air-raid specialists Dana Holgorsen, Todd Monken and Yurcich. Davis fits that mold.

    In his second season as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at North Texas, he’s brought immense success on the offensive end.

    This season, the Mean Green rank third in total offense (488.7 yards per game) and 26th in scoring offense (34.1 points per game) In 2023, UNT ranked sixth in total offense (495.8 yards per game) and 20th in scoring offense (34.5 points per game).

    Davis, 32, is an up-and-coming coach, so why not revisit the air-raid?

    Mack Leftwich, Texas State offensive coordinator

    Leftwich, 30, and in his second season as Texas State’s offensive coordinator, is another young, up-and-coming name in the college football coaching realm.

    This season, the Bobcats are sixth in total offense (474.3 yards per game) and 11th in scoring offense (37.2 points per game). Plus, Leftwich has coached Heisman Trophy candidate/Miami quarterback Cam Ward, TJ Finley and Jordan McCloud currently.

    Potential defensive coordinators

    Brian Smith, Rice defensive coordinator

    Smith, 45, recently finished his seventh season as Rice’s defensive coordinator.

    Smith coaches a 3-4 defense, somewhat similar to Nardo’s 3-3-5 scheme, but it’s notably different from a secondary standpoint.

    This season, the Owls ranked 36th in total defense and 73rd in total defense, though, allowing 25.42 points per game.

    Nick Benedetto, Northern Illinois defensive coordinator

    Benedetto’s unique 4-2-5 scheme has given even the most efficient offenses in college football fits. Most recently, that led to upsetting Notre Dame this season and another against Boston College last season.

    The Huskies rank sixth this season in total defense and 15th in scoring defense, allowing 18.42 points per game, and have shown steady improvement during each of Benedetto’s seasons as defensive coordinator.

    Geoff Collins, North Carolina defensive coordinator

    Collins is nearing the end of his first season as North Carolina’s defensive coordinator. But with head coach Mack Brown’s recent firing, Collins might be looking for a new job if he isn’t retained by the next coach.

    Collins, 53, led the Tar Heels to a notable improvement this season in contrast to their overall production in 2022. Carolina ranked 76th in total defense this season but improved steadily throughout the season.

    Collins also spent four seasons (2019-22) as Georgia Tech’s head coach. And while the Yellow Jackets failed to make a bowl game under his leadership, they recruited well, which could bode well for OSU should it hire him.

    Before that, Collins served as Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator from 2011-14 and Florida’s defensive coordinator from 2015-16.

    Steve Morrison, Bowling Green defensive coordinator

    Morrison, 52, has a plethora of experience in college coaching.

    In his second season as Bowling Green’s defensive coordinator — and sixth total on staff — the Falcons ranked 29th in total defense and 24th in scoring defense, allowing 20.25 points per game. Notably, Morrison’s defense gave Penn State fits in Happy Valley before doing the same to Texas A&M in College Station one week later. Last season, he took Minnesota to the wire in the Quick Lane Bowl.

    Paul Randolph, OSU defensive line coach

    This wouldn’t be an out-of-house hire, but who says one is necessary?

    Randolph has 27 years of coaching experience and has been commended by Gundy on a multitude of occasions for his old-school, hard-nosed coaching philosophy.

    He recently finished his first season as OSU’s defensive line coach but has also held prominent roles at Indiana, Texas Tech, Memphis, Tulsa, Rice and Alabama.

    He’s well liked by defensive players, so why not give Randolph a shot?

    sports.ed@ocolly.com

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  • Previewing Southern vs. Jackson State for the 2024 SWAC football championship

    Previewing Southern vs. Jackson State for the 2024 SWAC football championship

    After a thrilling regular season, the 2024 SWAC Championship is here. SWAC East champion Jackson State hosts SWAC West champion Southern with a conference title and a Celebration Bowl berth on the line.

    Everything you need to know for the SWAC Championship Game

    Jackson State Southern football

    How to watch

    Regular season result

    Jackson State defeated Southern 33-15 during the regular season. The game was played in Jackson. Click or tap here for complete stats from the game. The Tigers rushed for 201 yards and three scores and intercepted two passes.

    EVERYTHING HBCU FOOTBALL: Schedule, scores, rankings and updates for the 2024 season

    All-SWAC players

    Here are the top players to watch from each team, highlighted by SWAC Offensive Player of the Year Irv Mulligan (1,058 rushing yards) and Freshman of the Year Travis Terrell Jr. (412 rushing yards) of Jackson State and Co-Defensive Player of the Year Ckleby Givens (67 tackles, 26.5 tfl, 11 sacks) of Southern.

    Jackson State

    • 1st Team: Running Back: Irv Mulligan, Jackson State
    • 1st Team: Offensive Lineman: D’Andre Townes-Blue, Jackson State
    • 1st Team: Defensive Lineman: Joshua Nobles, Jackson State
    • 1st Team: Defensive Back: Ke’Vric Wiggins Jr., Jackson State
    • 1st Team: Return Specialist: Travis Terrell Jr., Jackson State
    • 1st Team: Long Snapper: Avery Salerno, Jackson State
    • 2nd Team: Quarterback: Jacobian Morgan, Jackson State
    • 2nd Team: Offensive Lineman: Evan Henry, Jackson State
    • 2nd Team: Offensive Lineman: Kirk Ford Jr., Jackson State
    • 2nd Team: Place Kicker: Gerardo Baeza, Jackson State
    • 2nd Team: Punter: Matt Noll, Jackson State

    Jackson State led the SWAC with 11 all-conference selections.

    Southern

    • 1st Team: Defensive Lineman: Ckelby Givens, Southern

    Givens was the only Southern player named to the all-conference team.

    POSTSEASON: Complete coverage of the 2024 FCS playoffs

    Coaches

    Two young coaches will be competing for their first SWAC titles this weekend. Jackson State is led by T.C. Taylor, the 2024 SWAC Coach of the Year and a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award. Taylor led the Tigers to an undefeated conference record this fall and is 15-4 against SWAC opponents during his two years as a head coach, including 2-0 against Southern.

    Southern head coach Terrence Graves is in his first full year as head coach of the Jaguars after previously leading the team as an interim head coach in the Bayou Classic last year. Graves is very familiar with the SWAC, having previously coached at Southern, Mississippi Valley State and Grambling State. In his first year as a head coach, Graves went undefeated in the SWAC West.

    RELATED: More information on the 2024 SWAC title game

    Stakes

    The 2024 SWAC Championship winner will not only win the conference, but it will also secure a berth in the 2024 Celebration Bowl to play South Carolina State from the MEAC. 

    If Southern wins, it will make its first Celebration Bowl appearance ever. A win will also end a five-game losing streak to Jackson State and give the Jaguars their first SWAC Championship since 2013.

    If Jackson State wins, it will win its third SWAC title in four years, becoming the first program to achieve such a feat since Grambling State three-peated in the early 2000s.

    The winner of the 2024 SWAC Championship will move the winning team into a tie for second with Alcorn State’s four SWAC championships in the title-game era.

    The Road to Atlanta: Top five gets clearer in Week 13’s HBCU football power rankings

    Here’s who Stan Becton ranked in Week 13’s HBCU football power rankings.

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    2024 SWAC Football Championship Game: Date, time, location, TV channel, history

    Here’s the what you need to know for the 2024 SWAC Football Championship game.

    READ MORE

    UC Davis moves up in Stan Becton’s Week 12 Stats Perform FCS Top 25 Poll ballot

    Here’s who NCAA FCS reporter Stan Becton has in his top 25 ballot for Week 12.

    READ MORE



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  • High school football: Belief system leads Camas to the Class 4A state finals

    High school football: Belief system leads Camas to the Class 4A state finals

    The Camas Papermakers are heading to the state championship game after beating Gonzaga Prep in the semifinals Saturday. Photo by Mike SchultzThe Camas Papermakers are heading to the state championship game after beating Gonzaga Prep in the semifinals Saturday. Photo by Mike Schultz
    The Camas Papermakers are heading to the state championship game after beating Gonzaga Prep in the semifinals Saturday. Photo by Mike Schultz

    Trailing by 13 in the second half, the Papermakers believed in themselves and rallied for a 28-20 victory over Gonzaga Prep in the state semifinals at Vancouver’s McKenzie Stadium on Saturday

    Paul Valencia 
    ClarkCountyToday.com

    It was all about trust and faith for the Camas Papermakers.

    All game Saturday, they had to rely on one another. Even when things looked “scary,” they had to believe in each other. 

    Because they did just that, the Camas Papermakers have another week of football.

    A very special week of football, indeed.

    Down two touchdowns in the second half, Camas rallied to top Gonzaga Prep 28-20 at McKenzie Stadium in Vancouver to advance to the Class 4A state championship football game in Seattle next weekend.

    Camas, the No. 1 seed in these playoffs, will take on No. 2 Sumner at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Husky Stadium.

    With a quarter-and-a-half left to play Saturday, it was not looking so good for the Papermakers.

    Titan Brody got into the end zone with 4 seconds left in the first half to give Camas some momentum. The Papermakers would rally in the second half to beat Gonzaga Prep in the Class 4A state semifinals. Photo by Mike SchultzTitan Brody got into the end zone with 4 seconds left in the first half to give Camas some momentum. The Papermakers would rally in the second half to beat Gonzaga Prep in the Class 4A state semifinals. Photo by Mike Schultz
    Titan Brody got into the end zone with 4 seconds left in the first half to give Camas some momentum. The Papermakers would rally in the second half to beat Gonzaga Prep in the Class 4A state semifinals. Photo by Mike Schultz

    “It’s going to go one of two ways,” said Camas quarterback Jake Davidson, recalling his thought process when Camas punted the ball away in the third quarter, trailing 20-7. “Our season is going to just end, or we will have to go through the struggle and we gotta do our thing. Trust Coach Mathieson and trust all these players.”

    “We talked about belief,” said linebacker Beau Harlan. “Just believe we can win this game. …

    We played like it was going to be our last half, and now it won’t be our last half.”

    The Camas Papermakers brought “Kong” to McKenzie Stadium for their “home” playoff game Saturday against Gonzaga Prep. Photo by Mike SchultzThe Camas Papermakers brought “Kong” to McKenzie Stadium for their “home” playoff game Saturday against Gonzaga Prep. Photo by Mike Schultz
    The Camas Papermakers brought “Kong” to McKenzie Stadium for their “home” playoff game Saturday against Gonzaga Prep. Photo by Mike Schultz

    Head coach Adam Matheison said he had had a “ton of faith” in defensive coordinator Dan Kielty’s strategy to get the ball back to the offense. And the coaches all believed the offense was just about to break out and make something happen.

    True enough, the defense did its job, shutting out Gonzaga Prep the rest of the day.

    True enough, the offense did its job, with Davidson throwing three second-half touchdown passes.

    Jake Davidson had 260 yards passing and threw four touchdown passes in Camas’ 28-20 win over Gonzaga Prep in the state semifinals Saturday at McKenzie Stadium. Photo by Mike SchultzJake Davidson had 260 yards passing and threw four touchdown passes in Camas’ 28-20 win over Gonzaga Prep in the state semifinals Saturday at McKenzie Stadium. Photo by Mike Schultz
    Jake Davidson had 260 yards passing and threw four touchdown passes in Camas’ 28-20 win over Gonzaga Prep in the state semifinals Saturday at McKenzie Stadium. Photo by Mike Schultz

    Davidson said he understands he will get some of the credit for the comeback win, but most of the credit, he noted, should go to his teammates. 

    Chase McGee made an incredible leaping catch, with the defender making contact with him just before the ball arrived, to make it 20-14 early in the fourth quarter.

    Cade Lukens made a fine open-field tackle on a third-down play for the Papermakers defense, leading to a GPrep punt. A couple minutes later, Davidson found Anthony Forner on a wide receiver screen. The blocking was perfect, and Forner broke free for a 51-yard touchdown to give the Papermakers a 21-20 lead with 7:39 to play.

    Gonzaga Prep’s next third-down attempt was thwarted by Azalius Lopez, who blew up the play. Then Alexandra Hroza and Sawyer Clifton converged for the quarterback sack.

    Time for Davidson and McGee again, this one a long touchdown pass for a 28-20 lead with 4:45 to play.

    Chase McGee gets up to catch this touchdown pass for the Camas Papermakers. Photo by Mike SchultzChase McGee gets up to catch this touchdown pass for the Camas Papermakers. Photo by Mike Schultz
    Chase McGee gets up to catch this touchdown pass for the Camas Papermakers. Photo by Mike Schultz
    Camas’ Chase McGee catches the first of his two touchdown receptions from Jake Davidison in Saturday’s win over Gonzaga Prep

    “I was in a zone to just run to the end zone,” McGee said, noting he did not hear the loud Camas crowd as he was sprinting on his 69-yard scoring play. “It felt amazing to know we were securing the game right here.”

    GPrep’s fourth-down pass late in the game was knocked away by Forner, setting off a Camas celebration.

    “There are not many words, but the feelings are great,” McGee said.

    Mathieson said Kielty and the defense did a “great job” and then on offense, the coaches were “hunting” for the right combination. 

    Ultimately, it came down to the athletes on the field, though.

    “We found some plays, but players make those plays,” Mathieson said. “At some point, we gotta get the ball to 5 (McGee). At some point, that matters. Or get the ball to Forner. At some point, players make plays, and the kids did a heckuva job.”

    Anthony Forner takes off on a screen pass, while Ryan Criddle (73) celebrates the soon-to-be touchdown that gave Camas the lead in the fourth quarter Saturday. Photo by Mike SchultzAnthony Forner takes off on a screen pass, while Ryan Criddle (73) celebrates the soon-to-be touchdown that gave Camas the lead in the fourth quarter Saturday. Photo by Mike Schultz
    Anthony Forner takes off on a screen pass, while Ryan Criddle (73) celebrates the soon-to-be touchdown that gave Camas the lead in the fourth quarter Saturday. Photo by Mike Schultz

    Even before all those touchdown passes, the Camas offense set up Gonzaga Prep with an effective run game in the second half. Titan Brody finished the game with 101 yards on 22 carries.

    Offensive lineman Ayden Jones loved having the coaching staff trust him and his colleagues up front.

    “We have to do it. There’s no other way. There’s nothing left if we don’t do this,” Jones said. “So I’m just going to give it my all every single play. I know these guys next to me are going to give it their all every single play.”

    Gonzaga Prep scored the first two touchdowns of this game. Camas got some momentum when Brody caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Davidson with 4 seconds left in the first half.

    Camas’ Titan Brody catches touchdown pass from Jake Davidison

    The Bullpups then got the only score of the third quarter to go up 20-7.

    “There wasn’t a doubt in my mind,” McGee said. “We weren’t going to lose this game. It did get a little scary, that’s for sure. But we’re a really good team.”

    Camas’ Chase McGee catches this pass from Jake Davidson and runs right past the camera on the way to the end zone.

    That really good team is going to Seattle for the state championship game.

    “I’ve dreamt of this since I was a little kid,” Davidson said. “We’ve got one more week. We’ve got a couple more things to do until my dreams come true.”

    “I’m just so proud of everyone,” Harlan added. “We’ve been talking about going to this game since we were children. It almost brings tears to my eyes that we made it happen.”

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  • College football Week 14 winners, losers: Michigan, Ohio State lead

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  • College football Week 14 winners, losers: Michigan, Ohio State lead

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  • State Hockey Polls: River Lakes ranked 19th in Class A – West Central Tribune

    State Hockey Polls: River Lakes ranked 19th in Class A – West Central Tribune

    Nov. 26 from the Let’s Play Hockey rankings.

    1. Hill-Murray (5-0)
    2. Centennial/Spring Lake Park (5-0)
    3. Holy Family (3-1)
    4. Minnetonka (3-1-1)
    5. Andover (3-2)
    6. Edina (2-1)
    7. Maple Grove (4-1)
    8. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (3-1-1)
    9. Moorhead (3-2)
    10. Roseau (6-2)
    11. Woodbury (4-0-1)
    12. Northfield (4-1)
    13. Bemidji (4-2)
    14. Rosemount (2-2)
    15. Farmington (3-2)
    16. Apple Valley (4-2)
    17. Champlin Park/Coon Rapids (3-2)
    18. Eden Prairie (3-4)
    19. Forest Lake (5-0)
    20. Roseville/Mahtomedi (4-1)

    Others receiving votes: Grand Rapids/Greenway, Owatonna, Stillwater, Lakeville North, Lakeville South, Cretin-Derham Hall, Prior Lake

    1.Rogers (2-0)
    2. Cretin-Derham Hall (0-0)
    3. Moorhead (1-1)
    4. Edina (1-1)
    5. Shakopee (1-1)
    6. Hill-Murray (0-0)
    7. St. Thomas Academy (1-0)
    8. Maple Grove (1-1)
    9. Wayzata (1-1)
    10. Stillwater (1-0)
    11. Minnetonka (0-1)
    12. Benilde-St. Margaret’s (0-0)
    13. Academy of Holy Angels (2-0)
    14. White Bear Lake (1-0)
    15. Andover (0-1)
    16. Rosemount (2-0)
    17. Grand Rapids (1-0)
    18. Lakeville South (1-0)
    19. Eden Prairie (0-0)
    20. Champlin Park (0-0)

    Others receiving votes: Elk River/Zimmerman, Rock Ridge, Holy Family, Centennial, Chanhassen, Bemidji, Gentry Academy

    1. Dodge County (5-0-1)
    2. Academy of Holy Angels (4-1)
    3. Mound-Westonka/Southwest Christian (3-1)
    4. Orono (4-2-1)
    5. Warroad (3-1)
    6. Proctor/Hermantown (4-2)
    7. South St. Paul (5-1)
    8. Marshall (6-0)
    9. Breck (3-2)
    10. Blake (3-1)
    11. Albert Lea (5-1)
    12. Hutchinson (4-1)
    13. Thief River Falls (3-2)
    14. Delano/Rockford (2-2)
    15. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (3-2)
    16. Simley (2-5)
    17. Rock Ridge (4-1)
    18. North Shore (3-1-1)
    19. River Lakes (2-2)
    20. Pine City (4-1)

    Others receiving votes: Mankato West, Fergus Falls, Minnesota River, Crookston, Moose Lake, Chisago Lakes, Litchfield/Dassel-Cokato

    1. St. Cloud Cathedral (0-0-1)
    2. Hermantown (0-0)
    3. Warroad (1-0-1)
    4. Hibbing-Chisholm (1-0)
    5. Delano (1-1)
    6. Mahtomedi (0-1)
    7. Orono (2-0)
    8. Cloquet/Esko/Carlton (1-0)
    9. East Grand Forks (0-2)
    10. Northern Lakes (1-0)
    11. Monticello (0-0)
    12. Northfield (0-0)
    13. Minneapolis (0-0-1)
    14. Detroit Lakes (1-0)
    15. Thief River Falls (0-0)
    16. Little Falls (0-0)
    17. Proctor (2-0)
    18. Alexandria (0-2)
    19. Chisago Lakes (0-0-1)
    (tie) 20. Southwest Christian/Richfield (0-0)
    (tie) 20. Waseca (0-0)

    Others receiving votes: Mankato East, Breck, Mankato West, Dodge County, Luverne, New Ulm, Crookston

    Click to go to the prep sports calendars and standings page



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  • Preece Power Poll: State prep football finalists earned top spots in final power rankings | News, Sports, Jobs

    Preece Power Poll: State prep football finalists earned top spots in final power rankings | News, Sports, Jobs

    1 / 5

    Lone Peak players run onto the field before the 6A championship game against Corner Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

    Harold Mitchell, Special to the Herald

    2 / 5

    Timpview junior Jaron Pula runs the ball up the field during the 5A semifinal against Roy at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024.

    Brian Wolfer, Special to the Herald

    3 / 5

    Spanish Fork senior Brock Jacobson (left) celebrates scoring the game-winning TD during the 4A semifinal game against Ridgeline at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

    Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald

    4 / 5

    Zaeden Selu of Skyridge (4) runs the football against Lone Peak in a 6A semifinal game at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

    Harold Mitchell, Special to the Herald

    5 / 5

    Lehi defenders make a tackle during the 6A semifinal game against Corner Canyon at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

    Jared Lloyd, Daily Herald


    Prep football expert Brian Preece ranks all 115 programs that play football in the Beehive State (Utah Valley teams in bold, area teams in italics):

    Rank/School/Record/Previous Rank (Change)/Note

    1. Corner Canyon (6A) 13-1 1 (NC) Chargers repeat as 6A state champions

    2. Lone Peak (6A) 11-3 3 (+1) Knights just fall short in 6A title game

    3. Skyridge (6A) 10-3 2 (-1) Falcons lose to rival Lone Peak in 6A semifinals

    4. Lehi (6A) 9-3 5 (+1) Pioneer season ends in heartbreaking fashion

    5. Morgan (3A) 13-0 6 (+1) Trojans only undefeated team in Utah in 2024

    6. Bountiful (5A) 13-1 8 (+2) Redhawks claim 5A title

    7. Roy (5A) 12-2 9 (+2) Royals two losses were to rival Bountiful

    8. Timpview (5A) 8-3 4 (-4) Thunderbirds fell to Roy in 5A semifinals

    9. Brighton (5A) 11-2 12 (+3) Bengals made 5A semifinals

    10. Orem (5A) 9-3 10 (NC) Tigers dropped by Timpview in 5A quarterfinals

    11. Maple Mountain (5A) 8-3 13 (+2) Golden Eagles pushed Bountiful in 4A playoff game

    12. Crimson Cliffs (4A) 12-2 20 (+8) Mustangs make historic comeback to win 4A title

    13. Spanish Fork (4A) 11-3 15 (+2) Dons lose heartbreaking 4A championship final

    14. Olympus (5A) 7-4 11 (-3) Titans lose rematch to Brighton in 5A quarterfinals

    15. Ridgeline (4A) 12-1 7 (-8) Spanish Fork gave RiverHawks only loss

    16. Richfield (3A) 12-1 19 (+3) 25-game winning streak snapped by Morgan

    17. Green Canyon (4A) 8-3 21 (+4) Wolves gave Crimson Cliffs a scare in 5A quarterfinals

    18. Sky View (4A) 8-5 33 (+15) Bobcats upset Provo in 4A quarterfinals

    19. Provo (4A) 8-3 14 (-5) Bulldogs win Region 8 title but fall at home in playoffs

    20. American Fork (6A) 5-7 18 (-2) Cavemen upset No. 5 seed in 6A tournament

    21. Park City (4A) 10-2 16 (-5) Miners have good year with just two losses

    22. Viewmont (5A) 8-4 32 (+10) Vikings gave Bountiful its only loss in 2024

    23. West (5A) 6-6 18 (-5) Lost a lot of close games in 2024

    24. Farmington (6A) 5-6 22 (-2) The Phoenix rose from the ashes in second half of year

    25. Fremont (6A) 8-4 23 (-2) Season ended by Skyridge in 6A quarterfinals

    26. Davis (6A) 8-4 24 (-2) Darts started better than they finished

    27. Stansbury (4A) 8-4 27 (NC) Stallions won Region 10 title.

    28. Weber (6A) 7-5 35 (+7) Warriors had nice playoff win against Bingham

    29. Northridge (5A) 7-5 31 (+2) Knights gave Maple Mountain a scare in 5A playoffs

    30. Mountain Crest (4A) 7-4 34 (+4) Mustangs had solid season

    31. Desert Hills (4A) 7-4 36 (+5) Thunder have solid but not spectacular year

    32. East (5A) 6-6 28 (-4) Leopard season never got any traction

    33. Bingham (6A) 5-6 25 (-8) 2024 campaign not up to Miner standards

    34. Mountain Ridge (6A) 5-6 26 (-8) Sentinels were hoping for more in 2024

    35. Woods Cross (5A) 7-5 30 (-5) Wildcats eliminated in 5A second round by Olympus

    36. Springville (5A) 6-6 29 (-7) Red Devils took some tough losses in league play

    37. Riverton (6A) 3-8 45 (+8) Silverwolves gave Skyridge a serious scare in playoffs

    38. Syracuse (6A) 5-6 37 (-1) Titans fell to rival Fremont in 6A second round

    39. Beaver (1A) 12-1 42 (+3) Beavers win third consecutive 1A state title

    40. Alta (5A) 5-7 57 (+17) Hawks defeated in 5A second round by 5A champs

    41. Herriman (6A) 3-8 39 (-2) Mustangs better than their record would indicate

    42. Grantsville (3A) 9-3 44 (+1) Cowboys lost in 3A semifinals to Richfield

    43. Salem Hills (4A) 6-5 38 (-5) Skyhawks fell to rival Spanish Fork in 5A second round

    44. Manti (3A) 8-4 64 (+20) Templars played Morgan real tough in 3A semifinals

    45. Westlake (6A) 3-9 50 (+5) Thunder manage to win a 6A playoff game

    46. Uintah (4A) 8-4 43 (-3) Utes have good year and win playoff game

    47. Wasatch (5A) 3-8 52 (+5) Wasps upset West Jordan in 5A playoffs

    48. San Juan (2A) 11-2 56 (+8) Broncos win fourth straight 2A state title

    49. Dixie (4A) 4-7 53 (+4) Flyers upset Pine View, lose to Provo in playoffs

    50. Layton (6A) 4-7 46 (-4) After early success, six straight losses

    51. West Jordan (5A) 6-5 47 (-4) Jaguars won league title but had short playoff run

    52. Pleasant Grove (6A) 1-10 51 (-1) Rough season but Vikings nearly won playoff game

    53. Granger (5A) 6-6 60 (+7) Lancers won some games this year

    54. Juan Diego (3A) 6-6 69 (+15) Soaring Eagles gave Richfield a test in playoffs

    55. Box Elder (5A) 4-7 48 (-7) Lost close one to Granger in 5A first round

    56. Hurricane (4A) 5-7 54 (-2) Tigers show improvement over past few seasons

    57. Cedar Valley (5A) 3-8 55 (-2) Aviators mostly grounded in tough Region 7

    58. Bear River (4A) 4-8 70 (+12) Bears picked up nice playoff win over Timpanogos

    59. Timpanogos (4A) 6-5 40 (-19) Timpanogos struggled in second half of season

    60. Emery (2A) 9-3 62 (+2) Two of their losses were to 2A champs San Juan

    61. Snow Canyon (4A) 4-8 66 (+5) Not a great year but won a playoff game

    62. Bonneville (5A) 3-8 49 (-13) Lakers take a step back in 2024

    63. Highland (5A) 3-7 58 (-5) Early season wins then region struggles

    64. Juab (3A) 6-5 61 (-3) After beating Manti Wasps lost to them the next game

    65. Layton Christian (2A) 6-4 68 (+3) Not allowed to compete in playoffs

    66. Kanab (1A) 9-4 83 (+17) Cowboys finished strong and took second in 1A

    67. North Summit (1A) 11-1 41 (-26) Braves were upset by Kanab in 1A semifinals

    68. Ogden (3A) 7-4 71 (+3) Tigers had solid season

    69. Milford (1A) 8-4 84 (+15) Played Beaver tough twice in 1A gridiron wars

    70. Pine View (4A) 4-6 67 (-3) Panther season ended in loss to archrival Dixie

    71. Cedar City (4A) 4-7 59 (-12) Reds had tough time in league play

    72. Copper Hills (6A) 3-8 65 (-7) Like most years, wins come early, losses come late

    73. Hunter (5A) 4-7 73 (NC) Three of four wins came in league play

    74. Taylorsville (5A) 4-7 75 (+1) Early season successes weren’t sustained

    75. Murray (4A) 6-5 63 (-12) Spartans derailed by Snow Canyon in 4A playoffs

    76. Canyon View (3A) 6-6 72 (-4) Falcons win some, lose some

    77. Tooele (4A) 4-7 74 (-3) Buffs season ends at Salem Hills

    78. North Sanpete (3A) 3-8 80 (+2) Generally a rough season for the Hawks

    79. Delta (2A) 5-7 81 (+2) Rabbits scurried to 2A semifinal appearance

    80. Jordan (4A) 3-8 78 (-2) Beetdiggers trying to fight back to respectability

    81. Mountain View (4A) 3-8 77 (-4) Rough second half of season for Bruins

    82. West Field (4A) 1-10 78 (-4) Things should get better in 2025 for the Longhorns

    83. Logan (4A) 2-8 79 (-4) Grizzlies didn’t make RPI cut for 4A playoffs

    84. Payson (4A) 1-9 82 (-2) Lions missed playoffs

    85. Clearfield (5A) 1-9 86 (+1) Another tough year for Falcon program

    86. Rich (8-man) 10-3 88 (+2) 8-man state champs can win 11-man games too

    87. Duchesne (1A) 5-6 87 (NC) 2024 season not as good as others in recent years

    88. Skyline (5A) 1-10 89 (+1) 10 losses most in program history

    89. Summit Academy (2A) 6-6 90 (+1) Bears win playoff game

    90. South Sevier (2A) 5-6 85 (-5) Rams lost to Summit Academy in playoffs

    91. South Summit (2A) 4-7 92 (+1) Wildcats had a better second half of season

    92. Millard (1A) 4-7 91 (-1) 1A division was tough this year and Eagles suffered

    93. Carbon (3A) 3-8 94 (+1) Program actually making incremental improvements

    94. North Sevier (1A) 5-7 97 (+3) Wolves put together some wins in 2024 season

    95. Judge Memorial (2A) 4-8 98 (+3) Not exactly where proud program wants to be

    96. ALA (2A) 5-6 99 (+3) Eagles win 2A playoff game

    97. Cyprus (5A) 1-10 93 (-4) Pirates miss playoffs for second straight season

    98. Enterprise (1A) 2-9 95 (-3) Wolves took a step back after great season in 2023

    99. Monticello (8-man) 8-4 101 (+2) Buckaroos win silver trophy in 8-man tournament

    100. Union (3A) 2-9 101 (+1) Cougar program usually better than 2024 record

    101. Hillcrest (4A) 1-9 102 (+1) Huskies did beat Cottonwood, otherwise futile

    102. Kearns (5A) 0-10 96 (-6) A year to forget for winless Cougars

    103. Cottonwood (4A) 0-10 103 (NC) Missing playoffs probably a good thing for the Colts

    104. Parowan (1A) 2-9 104 (NC) Rams had a tough year

    105. Grand (2A) 1-10 105 (NC) Rough season for the Red Devils

    106. Altamont (8-man) 6-5 106 (NC) Longhorn program thriving in 8-man football

    107. Water Canyon (8-man) 6-6 107 (NC) Wildcats make semifinals

    108. St. Joseph (8-man) 5-5 108 (NC) Jayhawk program getting better and better

    109. Ben Lomond (3A) 0-10 109 (NC) Rough times continue for Scot faithful

    110. Whitehorse (8-man) 4-5 110 (NC) Raiders put together some wins this season

    111. Gunnison (1A) 0-9 111 (NC) Bulldogs had winless campaign in 2024

    112. Providence Hall (2A) 0-11 112 (NC) Only team in Utah to lose 11 games

    113. UMA-Hillfield (8-man) 2-5 113 (NC) Bettered UMA-Camp Williams in 2024

    114. UMA-CW (8-man) 2-7 114 (NC) Beat Monument Valley in back-to-back games

    115. Monument Valley (8-man) 0-7 115 (NC) Cougars went winless in 2024 campaign

    (NC) = No Change since the last rankings done prior to the playoffs starting

    Utah County Rankings: 1. Lone Peak #2 2. Skyridge #2 3. Lehi #4 4. Timpview #8 5. Orem #10 6. Maple Mountain #11 7. Spanish Fork #13 8. Provo #19 9. American Fork #20 10. Springville #36 11. Salem Hills #43 12. Westlake #45 13. Pleasant Grove #52 14. Cedar Valley #57 15. Timpanogos #59 16. Mountain View #81 17. Payson #84 18. ALA #96 19. UMA-Camp Williams #114.

    Notes: For the first time since 2016, no team from Utah County won a state title but it was still a great year for Utah County teams as they went 62-44 against teams outside the valley. Lone Peak and Spanish Fork finished just short of their ultimate goal by three and two points respectively. So close. But Utah County was definitely the dominant county in the state again with a total of five programs in the top 10 and a total of nine in the top 20 in the Preece Power Poll (PPP). 6A Region 3 was particularly dominant, producing three of the four 6A semifinalists and five of the eight teams in the quarterfinals.

    Corner Canyon is definitely deserving of the top spot again in the PPP. And the Chargers did face some major adversity losing its starting quarterback Helaman Casuga and their star running back Bryton Brady during the season. But for Corner Canyon it was “next man up”, or in reality in the running back department, “next men up” as the Chargers showed off their incredible depth avenging their only loss on the season by downing Lone Peak 30-27 in a well-played 6A final. Corner head coach Eric Kjar won his fifth state title at the school, sixth overall, and the victory over Lone Peak was his 100th in his career with the Charger program.

    6A provided the top four teams in the PPP but it could be argued from top to bottom that perhaps the 5A classification was deeper. The 5A classification has seven teams in the top 20 while 6A has five. And Region 1 champion Farmington didn’t even have a winning record this year.

    4A was the chaotic classification. Crimson Cliffs will carry a 12-game winning streak into next year but the Mustangs were actually beaten up by eventual 3A champion Morgan, 41-13. Spanish Fork, the other finalist, lost to Provo 46-42 and also to 5A Maple Mountain. But the Dons certainly had the Mustangs on the ropes. Provo’s only losses were to 5A teams Brighton and Olympus and then being upset by Sky View in the quarterfinals. Green Canyon gave Crimson Cliffs all it wanted down in St. George, falling 28-25. And why the Wolves are ranked ahead of Sky View who made the semifinals is they beat the Bobcats head-to-head and played the eventual champs much closer. Park City lost just twice this year, once to Stansbury in region play and then a close one to Spanish Fork in the quarterfinals, 30-24.

    As one can see it was a razor’s thin edge from winning the title or not even making it to the semifinals, so it wasn’t surprising the epic 4A championship game between Crimson Cliffs and Spanish Fork needed extra football for the Mustangs to eventually prevail 57-55 in triple overtime. Crimson Cliffs also pulled off the biggest comeback in state history when it overcame a 21-point fourth quarter deficit to force overtime. The previous was a 20 point deficit overcome by San Juan in 1998 when it came back to defeat South Summit for the 2A title.

    If the No. 5 PPP ranking for Morgan seems shocking, well, it shouldn’t be. The 3A Trojans beat two of the 4A semifinalists (Crimson Cliffs and Sky View), and beat them up badly. Morgan beat the 2-time 4A champs 41-13 and then shutout Sky View 34-0 in successive weeks. The Trojans were the only undefeated team in the state this year and they snapped Richfield’s 25-game winning streak by beating the Wildcats 13-2 in the championship final.

    2A was a pretty weak classification this year. Since Layton Christian couldn’t compete in the state tournament only San Juan and Emery actually had winning records, and the Broncos easily took state. San Juan beat everyone so handily, including Emery, that the running clock came into play.

    In 1A, Beaver didn’t get to avenge its only loss to North Summit as the Braves were beat by Kanab in the semifinals. But the Beavers downed Kanab to win the title. 1A was much better than 2A from top to bottom and provided its fans a great tournament.

    It looks like 8-man football will expand to 12 programs next year as Panguitch will start up a program and Milford, due to low numbers, will go from 1A to 8-man level. The Utah School for the Deaf and Blind looks to have a program again in 2025. Rich again won the state tournament and put together a 10-win season with most of their wins coming in traditional 11-player football.

    It should be noted that In five of the seven classifications, schools repeated as state champions.

    RPI and PPP much closer aligned in 2024: The RPI seeds for the playoffs were generally pretty tight. Though the formula for RPI seeding hasn’t changed, perhaps coaches have figured out how to best augment their RPI ranking but also prepare for state competition when scheduling.

    In 6A, both the RPI and PPP predicted the top four teams. The only discrepancy was the PPP saw American Fork as the fifth best team in 6A and the Cavemen were seeded No. 12. American Fork then defeated No. 5 seed Farmington 21-17 in a second round game.

    In the 5A, the PPP saw Timpview as the top team but the RPI seeded the Thunderbirds No. 4, which proved to be a good seeding as No. 1 Roy knocked off the defending champs 29-19 in the semifinals. The PPP did rank Bountiful ahead of Roy and the No. 2 seed Redhawks defeated Roy for the state title 42-25, the very identical score they beat them in the regular season. The PPP would have had Roy and Bountiful meeting in one semifinal and Timpview vs. Brighton in the other based on its poll going into the tournaments, so the RPI got this one right.

    In 4A, the PPP and RPI had similar views on the seeds and were a tad off. Both saw Ridgeline as the team to beat but the RiverHawks lost to Spanish Fork in the semifinals. The PPP had the Dons as the third best 4A team going into the tournament behind Ridgeline who they beat and Provo, the latter ended up getting upset by Sky View. Crimson Cliffs, the No. 3 seed, but No. 5 in the PPP, ended up taking state going through Sky View in the semifinals.

    In 3A and 2A, the PPP were pretty much exactly the same as both saw Morgan and San Juan taking state respectively which they did.

    In 1A, based on North Summit’s win earlier in the season over Beaver, the PPP put the Braves as the team to beat, while the RPI had Beaver as the top seed. The Beavers did take state but over No. 3 seed Kanab, who upset North Summit.

    In the 8-man tournament both the RPI and PPP predicted/seeded the same outcome, Rich defeating Monticello for the championship and Altamont and Water Canyon as semifinalists.

    Your weird factoid: Usually only the state champions will carry winning streaks into the next season. But so will Layton Christian and Cyprus. Layton Christian was not allowed to compete in the 2A playoffs because of their use of foreign exchange players but went 6-4 and defeated Summit Academy in its last game. Cyprus, who went 1-9, won its last game of the season against Taylorsville but didn’t qualify for the 5A playoffs due to its poor RPI rating.

    Biggest Climbers in the Final Poll: The last PPP was before the playoffs started and Manti made the biggest move surging up 20 positions. The Templars made the 3A semifinals and really gave Morgan a good test before losing by 14 points. Kanab, with its big upset of North Summit, moved up 17 spots while its 1A rival Milford improved 15 positions. Alta also sprung forward 17 spots. Juan Diego also jumped up 15 positions, as did Sky View thanks to its upset win over Provo in the 4A quarterfinals. Westlake led Utah County, improving five spots.

    Biggest Decliners in the Final Poll: It was up and down for North Summit, who made the biggest gain from the mid-season poll to the playoff poll, but slipped the most from playoff poll to the final poll losing 26 positions. Timpanogos had a rough end of its season including being upset in the first round of the 4A playoffs and slipped 19 spots to lead the valley. Also seeing significant slippage was Bonneville (13 spots), Cedar City (12 spots) and Murray (12 spots).

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