MVPs were versatile and delivered in crunch time

Versatility was the name of the game for the 2006 Deseret Morning News football MVPs.

While all five led their respective teams to state championships, most did so by contributing on both sides of the ball — particularly in November.

Whether it was picking up key first downs, making critical tackles or recovering championship-clinching onside kicks, this year's MVPs were at their best when it mattered most.

Here's a look at the MVPs:

5A MVP: JORDAN PENDLETON, Bingham

On a team filled with future college players, arguably the best overall athlete in the state dabbled in a bit of everything to lead the Miners to their first state title in 60 years.

As respectable as his stats were, they don't even begin to tell the whole story.

"As great an athlete as he is, I can't say enough about his leadership and his commitment to make this team the best," said Bingham coach Dave Peck, who believes Pendleton could be a starting defensive back at BYU next year if late-charging Oregon doesn't lure him away.

Can you blame the Ducks for the late interest? As a receiver, Pendleton caught 40 passes for 699 yards and 11 touchdowns. Defensively, he roamed the field as a safety, recording 89 tackles, five interceptions and two pass deflections.

It's the little things — along with tremendous speed and leaping ability — that separated him from most kids. In a regular-season victory over Jordan and the state championship win over Alta, Pendleton recovered last-second onside kicks to preserve both victories.

In a semifinal victory over Pleasant Grove, he spoiled what should have been a Zach Brady 80-yard touchdown run by tracking the Vikings quarterback down at the 7-yard line. Four plays later, Bingham's defense walked off the field with its 28-0 shutout intact late in the third quarter. The Miners ended up winning the game, 35-0.

"Those are the type of plays you see what type of kid he is," Peck said.

When Pendleton lined up as a receiver, he was capable of going the distance whenever the ball came his way. When it was a run play, Peck said Pendleton took great pride in his blocking and was very good at it.

4A MVP: JACKSON OWEN, Timpview

For as great as Timpview's defense was this year — and the evidence is plentiful — Owen more than pulled his weight offensively to ensure the T-Birds' season ended with a state title.