That fearlessness was on display during the 4A semifinals and championship. During those two games, he carried the ball a combined 50 times for 260 yards and two TDs. Not bad for a running back who most people hadn't heard of until those two games at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

"He runs a lot harder than his size," Wong said. "He's wormy."

Owen finished the season with 274 carries for 1,740 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was also a legitimate threat as a receiver out of the backfield, racking up 172 yards and one touchdown. His coach is quick to point out that Owen could have easily rushed for more than 2,000 yards if he hadn't been on the bench in the fourth quarter of numerous blowout victories.

Like many great players, Wong said Owen got better and better as the season wore on. Early on, he wasn't patient enough to wait for his blockers, but that gradually changed as the season progressed.

3A MVP: GARLAND MUNNS, Bear River

Munns ripped off his fair share of impressive runs this year in helping lead Bear River to the 3A title, but one in particular stands out to Bear River coach Chris Wise.

During one run against Judge in the quarterfinals, Munns broke six tackles to pick up a critical first down.

"That was his personality coming out," Wise said. "He just never stops."

That was the case offensively and defensively for Munns, who was named after his home town of Garland.

As part of Bear River's triple-option rushing attack, Munns rushed for 1,139 yards and 12 TDs on 147 carries. Defensively, he amassed 58 total tackles and three sacks.

"I think he's more natural on defense. He closes to the ball real well," Wise said. "Offensively, I think it's his grit. He runs straight ahead and hits somebody."

Munns definitely benefited from playing alongside quarterback Tyson Rasmussen and fellow running back Lendel Jeppesen, as they combined to rush for 2,093 yards this season and made it difficult for defenses to key on any one of the runners.

2A MVP: TRANNER SHARPE, San Juan

With this bruising senior roaming the trenches this year, it's no wonder San Juan ultimately hoisted the 2A championship trophy.

"Tranner is every coach's dream," San Juan coach Monty Lee said. "He's got size, he's got speed, he's got a tremendous attitude, and he loves to play the game of football the way it's supposed to be played — in the trenches."

After starting at offensive tackle last year during San Juan's runner-up season, Sharpe switched to guard this year, and his athleticism made him an outstanding pulling guard as well as a pass blocker.