Published: Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2011 2:47 p.m. MDT
| Grantsville (7-4) at Hurricane (10-0)
3A state tournament quarterfinal Friday, 5 p.m.
Parry's Power Guide: Hurricane by 33
All-time series: Grantsville leads 5-1
Coach vs. coach: Hurricane's Chris Homer leads Grantsville's Tony Cloward, 1-0
Last meeting: Nov. 1, 2008, Hurricane 47, Grantsville 14 (3A first round at Hurricane)
Hurricane's high powered offense will have to find a way through Grantsville's aggressive and unrelenting defense if the Tigers want their rematch with Juan Diego.
Given the recent history between the Hurricane and Juan Diego, three straight meetings in the championship game, coach Chris Homer admits that it's tough not to look forward. But his kids are staying focused.
"It seems like this group is more focused on the task at hand," said Homer. "This team has a different personality. They come to play from the first snap and don't overlook teams. They are very business-like in that way"
Hurricane is coming off a 42-7 victory over Wasatch in the first round of the playoffs. "We were happy with the way we played," said Homer. "We felt like we played up to our ability."
The three premier running backs from Hurricane got into the action early. Weston Yardley started off the scoring with a 33-yard run, followed by Brian Scott, the fullback, who had a 41-yard reception out of the backfield, then Adam Thompson added two touchdown runs of his own.
Scott is the workhorse of the three. He averages nearly 9 yards per carry, rushing 134 times for 1,215 total yards and 24 TDs. Thompson and Yardley are averaging just over 11 and 12 yards per carry, respectively. The two have combined for 100 rushing attempts resulting in 1,170 yards.
Tigers quarterback and safety Taylor Parker is also getting over an ankle injury that took place a couple weeks ago against Canyon View.
Even with the solid runners and consistent QB play the true strength of Hurricane's offense is the O-line. However, Grantsville matches up well in this respect with its two middle backers Ky Fisher and Skylar Cloward.
The Cowboys took down North Sanpete in the first round in a 16-7 game to advance to the quarterfinals. Grantsville head coach Tony Cloward says his team is excited for the "wonderful opportunity to line up against the top 3A team."
"In order to be recognized as one of the best you have to play with the best," said Cloward
Ky Fisher came up big for Grantsville against North Sanpete rushing for the two final touchdowns, one to take the lead, and the second to put the game out of reach. He also leads the Grantsville D with 88 tackles and 5 sacks on the season.
Fisher, along with fellow middle backer Skylar Cloward will have to both be on their game and make some big plays if the Cowboys plan to upset the Tigers in Hurricane this Friday.
Grantsville statistical breakdown
Scoring offense: 18.9 ppg
Scoring defense: 13.0 ppg
Passing leader: Max Cook (56-137, 40.9%, 820 yards, 1 TD, 8 INTs)
Rushing leaders: Max Cook (108 carries, 296 yards, 2 TDs), Ky Fisher (74 carries, 316 yards, 8 TDs), Drew Sutton (73 carries, 384 yards, 6 TDs)
Receiving leaders: Dalen Erickson (25 receptions, 481 yards, 1 TD)
Tackles leaders: Ky Fisher (88 total tackles), Skyler Cloward (82 total tackles)
Sacks leaders: Skyler Cloward (6 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Caleb Edwards, Quinton Smith, Braxton Sparks (2 interceptions)
Note: Does not include last week's stats.
Hurricane statistical breakdown
Scoring offense: 41.1 ppg
Scoring defense: 14.8 ppg
Passing leader: Taylor Parker (38-57, 66.7%, 571 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT)
Rushing leaders: Brian Scott (134 carries, 1,215 yards, 24 TDs), Adam Thompson (54 carries, 601 yards, 9 TDs), Weston Yardley (46 carries, 569 yards, 6 TDs)
Receiving leaders: Colton Marshall (15 receptions, 224 yards, 1 TD), Weston Yardley (7 receptions, 119 yards, 2 TDs)
Tackles leaders: Jared Edwards (83 total tackles), Kevin Mortensen (66 total tackles)
Sacks leaders: Bryan Lee (4 sacks), Kevin Mortensen (3.5 sacks)
Interceptions leader: Weston Yardley (4 interceptions)
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