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.
