From Deseret News archives:
High school football: Saturday morning quarterbacking
I'm sure Alta fans feel like it was a spectacular night. The Hawks' stadium was filled to capacity and the game certainly had its share of drama. It almost went down to the wire. But for some reason, I'm feeling like the game didn't live up to the standards set by the previous three contests between the two teams.
Both teams had their issues. The Hawks struggled mightily on special teams in the early going while digging themselves a two-touchdown deficit. Alta worked through its problems.
Bingham, conversely, might not be who we thought they were. Or whatever it was former Cardinals coach Dennis Green said in his famous postgame interview a few years ago.
Fans have grown accustomed to seeing the Miners' offensive line dominate. They are used to seeing it being physical and opening huge holes for explosive running backs. Well, Bingham's line is struggling this season. Quarterback Jake Soffe has now been sacked 13 times in two games. A once dominant running game has looked ordinary this season.
Is it time for the Miners, now 0-2 for the first time since 1992, to hit the panic button?
I don't think so. Bingham has talent, and good coaches. Sure, the Miners have started slower than anyone expected, but they haven't exactly lost to a couple of junior varsity teams. I believe coach Dave Peck will keep doing what he thinks is right and the Miners will get rolling. It's only August, people.
There were some big plays made last night and it was entertaining game. It was an awesome atmosphere, as usual when these two teams play. But I think I'd rank it fourth in terms of overall quality in the last four games between the two teams.
Tired of reading about Alta-Bingham yet? Good thing they don't play every week. I've almost covered everything.
Peck truly is a one-of-a-kind in the coaching community. We talked a little bit during the third quarter about his Tuesday practice I wrote about on our blog. No really, we had a conversation as the game was going on. I can't imagine that happening with any other coach in the state. OK, maybe with the Murray coach.
Anyway, several Bingham players were cramping up during the game. Peck walked by and said with a sly grin, "I wonder why that's happening." I guessed because the team didn't pack any bananas for the road game. I knew I was an idiot the second the words left my mouth. He said it was because of the grueling workout he put the Miners through on Tuesday.
