5A football preview: Riverton at Skyline

Riverton (6-4, 3-2) at Skyline (6-4, 4-1)

5A State Tournament first round

Friday, 4 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Skyline by 19

All-time series: Skyline leads 1-0.

Last meeting: 2000 first round, Skyline won 49-13

Skyline is trying to pull it off again. In 2005 the Eagles limped into the playoffs, but miraculously followed it up with an improbable four-game winning streak and hoisted the 5A championship trophy.

The scenario is slightly different this year because Skyline isn't limping to the finish line, but rather it's streaking. After a brutal 2-3 preseason the Eagles won 4-of-5 region games including a 36-35 win over then No. 1 Jordan. Even though it's tough to totally ignore a blowout loss to Alta in Week 6 that doesn't really concern Skyline's coaching staff right now. Before the team of the '90s can think about a return visit to Rice-Eccles Stadium it must take care of business against Riverton.

The 'Wolves seemed like a fairly formidable foe in the preseason but they've struggled as of late, including a 23-0 shutout loss to Hunter in last week's regular season finale.

Riverton can ill-afford to fall behind against the Eagles because its offense just isn't equipped to rally.

As for the Eagles, they simply need to do what they've been doing. Quarterback Lanny Papanikolas was a liability in the preseason but he's turned it on as of late and is a huge reason why the Eagles are even hosting a playoff game this Friday.

Riverton Silverwolves statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 20.7 ppg

Scoring defense: 19.5 ppg

Passing leader: Davis Johnson (38-88, 43.2%, 476 yards, 0 TDs)

Rushing leader: Zachary Spencer (93 rushes, 900 yards, 6 TDs)

Receiving leader: Tad Carter (13 receptions, 285 yards, 1 TD)

Tackles leader: Andrew Carver (114 tackles)

Sacks leader: Jake Green (4 sacks)

Interceptions leader: Aaron Jaussi (2 interceptions)

Skyline Eagles statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 29.0 ppg

Scoring defense: 26.6 ppg