Miners' eyes on the title

SOUTH JORDAN — 1946.

That's the enormous monkey on the back of Bingham's football team.

The Miners last won a state football title back in 1946, and everyone associated with the team is fully aware of the fact that the South Jordan school hasn't collected another championship since.

"1946, I mean, my grandpa was like in high school in 1946," joked junior tight end Austin Holt. "It's 60 years to this year. It's weird we haven't won something in 60 years. Basketball, baseball (or) any other sport we've won some state titles."

Everyone associated with Bingham is aiming to finally get rid of that monkey, and it would be fitting to hoist the state title exactly 60 years after Bingham's last football triumph.

Second-ranked Bingham begins its 2006 campaign tonight against No. 5 Alta, beginning at 7. It will be the first of several "huge games" throughout the preseason for the Miners.

Of course, you have to get some breaks to be able to capture a state championship. But coach Dave Peck feels his program has been doing everything that's necessary to be in a position to win a title.

"I can't imagine our program being any better than where it's at right now as far as all the things that are in place," said Peck. "I haven't heard one F-bomb out here all summer, things like that. I feel real good with where our program's at."

Bingham went through last season undefeated but lost to Brighton in the quarterfinals in heart-breaking fashion. Clearly, the Miners have been focused throughout the offseason on becoming good enough to make it back to the point. And this time, they're willing to do anything to avoid a similar outcome.

With five starters on offense and six starters on defense back, there's no reason to think Bingham won't be among the state's elite teams this year. There's the Division-1 prospects — Jordan Pendleton (WR/FS), Star Lotulelei (OL/DL) and Austin Holt (TE) and others, who are complimented by a host of solid players.

Expect the Miners' defense to be solid again. Peck coordinates the defense, which has been among the tops in 5A in recent years.

"Some coaches say they never look at the stats," said Peck, "but you know what? That's one of our goals — to be the best defense in the state, and the only way to judge that is by looking at the points you've given up."

Bingham's first test will come tonight against Alta.