Logan focusing on future after unforgettable postseason

No matter how you look at it, Logan High's football team had an unforgettable postseason in 2007.

Following a pretty solid regular season, the Grizzlies needed — and got — two miracles that were eerily similar en route to dramatic come-from-behind wins in the first two rounds of the 3A playoffs.

Fortunately for themselves — and the sanity of their fans and community — the Grizzlies didn't need such heroics during the final two rounds. Instead, they collectively played their best football of the season at exactly the right time to knock off Region 10 foes Wasatch and Judge convincingly in the semis and final.

Logan's 28-12 triumph over Judge in the 3A championship handed the Grizzlies their second state championship in three years.

"The biggest thrill," said coach Mike Favero, "is you know you gave a group of players an experience of winning a state championship that they'll never forget."

At the center of Logan's memorable postseason was safety Jordan Ballam, the 3A MVP.

Against Park City in the opening round and against Delta in the quarterfinals, Ballam recovered a fumble off an attempted punt for a touchdown in the final minute of the game.

On both occasions, things looked very bleak for the Grizzlies, but the miracle plays allowed Logan to survive.

"Call it a miracle. Call it luck," said Favero. "Things worked out for us. It's a testament to our kids' belief."

Ballam's postseason heroics ridiculously didn't stop there. Against Wasatch and then against Judge, he came up with several turnovers and big plays to pace the Grizzlies.

Thing is, he got plenty of help in both of those contests. All told, Logan QB Jeff Manning accounted for eight touchdowns in the final two rounds, and virtually everyone in a Grizzly uniform played well, as Logan left no doubt that it deserved to be the 3A champion.

That's a far cry from what many said at the onset of the 3A tournament. Though Logan breezed through its Region 11 schedule, many felt the league was very weak this year. Combine that with the fact that Judge whipped Logan 35-7 back in the preseason, and a fair amount of folks labeled Logan as an "underdog."

All of which made their convincing title-game win even more satisfying.

Looking ahead to next season, Logan must replace eight starters on offense and seven starters on defense.

However, both Ballam and Manning will both be back, in addition to linebacker Taylor Peacock, lineman Ian Haderlie and others.

Manning could become a real star on offense next season. He finished the 2007 season with 2,280 yards and 29 TDs through the air. He also rushed for 10 touchdowns.

To prepare for next year, Favero said the defending champs will use a "systematic approach" throughout the offseason.

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com