1A high school football preview: Rich vs. Duchesne

RICH (8-3) VS. DUCHESNE (10-1)

Saturday, noon — Jordan High School (field turf)

Ticket Information: Fans can purchase tickets at www.uhsaa.org

TV: None — Parry's Power Guide — Duchesne by 4

The formality of the first few rounds of the 1A state tournament are out of the way. Now it's time for Rich and Duchesne to get down to business.

"It's always fun to play Rich and coach (Ashley) Brown. We respect their program and their kids. You can't draw it up any better," said Duchesne coach Billy Hoopes.

No. 1 and No. 2 will meet at Noon this Saturday at Jordan High School.

"We both had great years this year," said Brown. "I think we're two of the best teams in the classification, and we get to meet Saturday and play for it."

Last year's 1A championship — won by Rich 25-0 — was played in a blizzard at Alta High School. The forecast for this Saturday looks superb for a November afternoon.

Either way, a defensive slugfest is likely.

When these teams met during the regular season on Oct. 8, Duchesne prevailed in overtime 14-13. Rich tied the game on the final play of the game, but missed an extra point that would've clinched the region title. Duchesne prevailed in overtime with a successful two-point conversion attempt.

Hoopes doesn't believe the previous win gives his team an extra confidence.

"They honestly played better than we did up there and we got lucky to get out of there with the win," said Hoopes.

Duchesne had two overtime wins this season, which could give the Eagles an advantage in what figures to be another close game. First, however, they need to step onto the field with the right mentality.

"We need to match their intensity. Those kids from Rich are used to winning. They're gonna come out expecting to beat us. They're not going into the game afraid of us," said Hoopes. "I don't our kids are afraid of them, but our kids aren't used to winning like they are. But I think they crave it."

Rich is no stranger to the big game. This is the Rebels' sixth title game appearance in the past 10 years, with wins in 2002 and 2009. They also won three straight titles from 1994 to 1996.