12:00 AM, Nov. 18, 2011
| Like a diesel engine that ignites by compression alone, running backs provide the enormous power for the offensive unit they represent.
Tonight's 3A state championship game between Hurricane and Desert Hills will feature two prime examples of this: Brian Scott and Mike Needham.
The Tigers boast a perfect 12-0 record and are entering their final game with much of the credit going to Scott's effort. The senior has tallied 1,530 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns. Sure, his 7.1 yards per carry average doesn't top the state rankings - or even Region 9 for that matter. However, he's proven to be one of the toughest players to bring down week after week.
"Brian is such a great athlete, said Tigers running back and defensive back Weston Yardley. "Not only is he a great athlete, but he's a good leader on and off the field. He's always going to class, running extra and doing the little things to get better. Brian is a competitor - he will not go down without a fight."
At Desert Hills (9-3 overall), Needham deserves a lot of the credit in helping guide the Thunder to their first championship game appearance in their four-year history. The Thunder senior produced 1,157 yards rushing with 13 touchdowns. What makes Needham lethal on field, though, is his ability to be versatile in all situations. He's also pulled in 24 catches for 327 yards and two touchdowns.
"He can run, catch and block as good as anybody on the field. He keeps the defense guessing on what he's going to do every play. And for that, Mike is critical to our offense," said Thunder starting quarterback Porter Harris. "Mike is the most talented kid that I know. He can do things that most kids just can't do. É In the Cedar game last week (semifinals), he showed to more than 9,000 fans what he is all about. He is a game changer for sure."
Both running backs are in the midst of stellar playoff runs.
Needham has racked up 370 yards in three playoff games, including a 133-yard, three-touchdown performance against Stansbury in the quarterfinals.
"The key to my success is working out away from practice and from the team. If you want to maintain your success during the season you need to go the extra mile and do things on your own time," Needham said.
The hard work has paid off as the Thunder standout doubled his rushing output from junior year.
"I believe that Mike is the best running back in 3A," said Thunder receiver Ty Rutledge. "He's the best all around athlete and he is a good kid. Last year he played well, but this year he has an entirely different intensity level."
Scott has also torn through defenses this postseason, rushing for a combined 402 yards, including racking up 220 yards and three touchdowns against Spanish Fork in last week's semifinal at Rice-Eccles Stadium. He said the success is because of his conditioning and the efforts of a strong offensive line.
Added Tigers tight end-linebacker Colton Marshall: "Brian is extremely hard working and is an extremely skilled and tough running back that makes us look really good. He can drag tacklers and has so much heart that he'll get the extra yards with an entire team on his back."
In the grand scheme of things, Desert Hills and Hurricane will need to execute in all phases of the game to win the state championship.
Rest assured, though, Needham and Scott will play critical roles in contributing to their respective teams' success.
"We both have different running styles and they both work very well," Needham said. "The (title) game will depend on who wants it the most."
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