Warriors to host NIFL playoff game tonight in E Center

WEST VALLEY CITY — A prolific passing attack will be pitted against one of the NIFL's strongest defenses when the Utah Warriors host the Tri-City Diesel in a playoff game tonight in the E Center.

This is the first meeting ever of these teams, despite the fact they both play in the Pacific Conference. The Warriors finished the regular season with a 6-8 record in the Pacific West and No. 6 seed for the postseason, while the Diesel finished first in the Pacific South with an 11-3 record, earning a No. 3 seed.

Utah is hosting the game, according to a Diesel press release, "due to other events that will be going on in the surrounding area this weekend." The team, based in Kearney, Neb., had sold only 400 tickets to the game, while the Utah team has averaged about 4,000 fans at its games.

This is the second straight playoff appearance for the Warriors, who are the defending Pacific Conference champions. In their only home playoff game last season, they defeated the Sioux Falls Storm, 68-55.

Utah's offense is led by quarterback Doug Smith (Dixie State), who threw for 1,963 yards this season, with 38 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. His favorite targets are former Aggie Emmett White and ex-Cougar Mike Rigell.

Tri-City favors more of a balanced attack, with running back Wesley Cates scoring 31 touchdowns and finishing No. 2 in rushing with 1,104 yards. Quarterback Alex Niest threw for 1,800 yards, with 43 touchdowns and four interceptions.

But the Diesel's real strength is defense: They finished fourth in the league in rushing defense and ninth in total defense. Leif Murphy led the NIFL with 15 sacks and 28 tackles-for-loss. Utah's defense is led by linebacker Bart Amundson (Southern Utah), who made 82 tackles. Utah ranked 22nd in the NIFL in total defense.

The game starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for children under 10.

ALL-STARS: The Warriors placed five players on the Pacific West all-star team, including Emmett White, who was selected at two positions.

White made the team as a receiver and kick returner. He finished the season with 67 catches for 847 yards, with 21 receiving TDs. His 24.1-yard kick-return average was tops in the Pacific Conference.

Former Ute Omar Bacon was named the division's top running back after finishing the season with a team record 376 yards on 125 carries.

The other Warriors on the team were offensive linemen Wes Amitoelau and John Watson (Dixie State) and kicker Pete Garces.

The All-Division team was voted on by members of each team's coaching staff and front office and some media outlets. Players on these teams are now eligible for conference all-star honors.