Utah: Playoff implications in football's final week
By Dan Ryan
Oct 21, 2009, 12:00am
Alta vs. Pleasant Grove headlines a busy week of high school football.
Would it be the final week of the regular season without games that have huge playoff implications?
Utah high school football wraps up the regular season this week – and while most of the field is set, there’s some last-minute positioning to be determined, along with some games that may keep some of the best players home.
The key games for the week:
Zach Liston, Alta
File photo by Dave Argyle
Alta at Pleasant Grove:
If Alta loses, the defending 5A state champions start the playoffs on the road as the No. 4 seed from Region 4 against Region 3 champion Bingham. Alta at Bingham in the opening round would be Utah
’s version of Duke and North Carolina in an NCAA play-in game. Ugh.
And if Pleasant Grove loses, a team that was 7-0 and ranked second in the state just two weeks ago exits the regular season as a No. 3 seed and will hit the road throughout the playoffs. Key question: Will QB Dallas Lloyd return?
Jordan at Brighton:
If Jordan wins, the teams rematch in a play-in game next Tuesday. Brighton keeps the state’s top QB Alex Hart at home for the playoffs with a win.
Weber at Northridge:
Same situation in Region 1. A Northridge win sets up a play-in game.
Kearns at West Jordan:
Region 3 elimination game.
Mountain Crest at Sky View:
Mountain View wins the region with a victory.
Timpview at Provo:
Region 7 championship game. Both teams haven’t lost since Week 3.
Dixie at Pine View:
Region 9 championship game.
Class 3A Regional Championship games:
Two region championships will be decided outright: Park City at Wasatch in Region 10, and in Region 11 when Morgan visits Juan Diego.
From the 'What the heck?' department:
Skyline WR Brian Orr is done for the season after suffering a fractured skull while visiting an elementary school when he collided with a cement pole. Orr has temporarily lost hearing in his left ear, but is expected to make a full recovery after a six-week recuperation. The BYU signee is done for football but may return for basketball.
Recruiting update:
Utah State’s having a great week. After signing Jordan QB Alex Hart, the Aggies got a commitment from Pleasant Grove TE Jason Fanaika, who has 15 catches for 238 yards, but has also made contributions on defense and special teams.
State championships:
Cross country meets are Wednesday in Salt Lake and girl’s soccer kicks off Friday at Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium.
