John Renshaw
8:32 AM, Sep. 17, 2011
| ST. GEORGE - There was much anticipation leading up to Friday night's Region 9
showdown between undefeated programs, Hurricane and Dixie.
The excitement resulted in fans selling out Flyer Stadium, a media helicopter dropping
to midfield for delivery of the game ball and other extracurricular festivities ringing
loud in pregame.
Yet it didn't take long for one half of the stadium to simmer down and realize how
this heavyweight matchup would turn out.
With four unanswered touchdowns in the first half, Hurricane proved why it is still top
dog in Southern Utah after its shocking 51-21 rout of Dixie.
Call it shock and awe.
"It was a statement game for our team, but as a coach, we're always looking for ways
to improve," said Hurricane coach Chris Homer. "Our line did a great job on both
sides tonight, and our (running backs) were phenomenal too. We have three, four
running backs that could start for a lot of teams."
Experts and spectators predicted an offensive showdown, considering both
programs were atop the 3A classification in points scored entering Friday.
The Tigers did their part, but surprisingly the Flyers struggled with four turnovers.
"We really have just had everyone step up on (defense)," said Tigers senior lineman
Kevin Mortensen, who finished with three tackles and one sack. "It all starts with the
front three on the line, and we've had some young guys step up and play great like
Zach Prince and Jared Edwards, who had great games tonight."
Hurricane (2-0 region, 5-0 overall) totaled 466 yards of offense, with 453 of those
coming on the ground.
Jared Edwards and Weston Yardley combined for 240 yards and four
touchdowns. Dixie (1-1, 4-1) did find success in the second half and finished with
354 total yards despite rushing for just 56.
The tone of the game was set almost immediately.
Hurricane's Taylor Parker (1-of-2 for 13 yards) hit a soaring punt from midfield
pinned Dixie down on its own 2. One play later, Hurricane's Kellen Seely (two tackles)
recovered a fumble in the end zone to give the Tigers a 7-0 lead with 8:07 remaining
in the first.
Homer said the defensive recovery was huge, but at the same time, it didn't sway
the outlook toward Hurricane just yet.
Dixie played its first game without primary receiver Tadd Challis, who is likely to miss
the rest of the season with a right knee injury. The senior delivered the game-ball
in pregame with a right knee brace clearly visible.
"It's unfortunate when something like that happens to one of our best players," said
Flyers quarterback Blake Barney, who was 16-of-41 passing for 298 yards, three
touchdowns and two interceptions. "I don't think we're going to be changing up our
scheme that much. ... Other guys are just going to have to step up a little more."
Dixie quickly bounced back from the early letdown.
On the ensuing possession, Barney found Justin Cummings (30 yards on six carries
with 149 yards receiving and two touchdowns) across the middle after his
play-action pass drew Hurricane's linebackers inward toward the trenches.
Cummings bolted straight up the middle for an 80-yard scamper, tying the game
up at 7 with 8:01 left in the first.
That was as close as Dixie would get.
The Tigers regained the lead at 14-7 after marching 80 yards in less than three
minutes with Brian Scott (143 yards on 10 carries and two touchdowns) capping the
drive on a 15-yard score straight up the middle. From there, the Tigers reeled off
three more touchdowns to secure a 35-7 lead at halftime.
Simply put, the Tigers contained Dixie on both sides of the ball in the crucial first
half. Homer said their defensive play was one of their best showings this season,
likewise for the Tigers running game too.
Said Hurricane free safety Zach Prince (four tackles): "Dixie has a great offense. I think
there were two keys to beating them on the defensive side of the ball: getting to the
quarterback and forcing turnovers."
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