Region showdown looms for Highland, Cottonwood

Let's be honest. At the beginning of the high school football season, not many people thought that the Region 6 championship would boil down to Highland and Cottonwood again.

With the possible exception of the coaches and players from those two respective schools, everybody gladly gave the nod to East. It may still play out that way, but the winner of tonight's game between Highland and Cottonwood has the inside track on the region title.

"It's another shot for a region championship," says Cottonwood coach Tom Jones.

Last season, the two talented teams collided with the region title on the line, and Cottonwood emerged with a decisive 49-20 victory. Led by running back Stanley Havili, the Colts took advantage of several Highland turnovers to win the game and, eventually, a share of the region championship.

But the Colts' stars are gone, and Jones has been rebuilding with a younger team. Still, he's seen progress. After a 1-2 start, Cottonwood (5-2) has won four straight region games.

"Going into the season, we had a young team. If we can keep improving, we'll be right there," Jones said.

Cottonwood had no way of replacing the region MVP (Havili) but they still have some firepower. Quarterback Austin Wadsworth has thrown 10 touchdowns this year.

They also have big play receivers in Rich Tukuafu and Finau Lomu. They're averaging 20 yards per catch and have five touchdowns between them.

But Cottonwood has slipped offensively this season. The Colts led 4A teams in points scored in 2005, but they rank ninth through seven games this year.

What a difference a year makes.

The surprise here is that Highland returns only a couple of starters from last year's state final team. Highland (6-1) has a new coach and new starters, but the Rams appear to be ready to exact some revenge and take control of the region.

Led by first-year coach Brody Benson, the Rams have let their play speak for itself. Beating 5A champion Skyline 27-21 and 4A defender Mountain Crest 35-7 has been impressive. Follow that up with a victory at East and you've got a team that has proved itself worthy of a No. 1 ranking in 4A.

The Rams' option has proved worthy, too. With a three-headed monster in the backfield, the Highland rushers have compiled 1,276 yards on the ground and 19 TDs. Throw in 6-foot-6 tight end Braden Brown and QB Sean Swenson, and the Rams offense has been solid.

Defensively, the Rams have bent at times, losing at American Fork and then escaping in a 49-35 shootout with Olympus. Highland's defense has allowed an average of 18 points per game, second among 4A teams.

Simply put, the winner of this game looks to have a firm grip on the Region 6 title.

"If we lose to them," Jones said, "they have a big edge on us."

---

E-mail: tpeterson@desnews.com