High school football 3A preview: Union at Delta

Union (5-4) at Delta (9-1)

3A state tournament first round

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Delta by 20.5 points

All-time series: Delta leads 4-2

Last meeting: Regular season, Aug. 22, 2008 — Delta 24, Union 0

There's no doubt that Delta feels stung and disappointed to have lost last weekend to top-ranked Juan Diego in what was a true Region 8 championship game between a pair of unbeaten teams.

However, the Rabbits can take consolation from this fact — the loss may prove to be a blessing in disguise.

At the risk of splitting hairs, what last weekend's loss to Juan Diego means for Delta is this: The Rabbits will host Union of Region 10 at 1 p.m. Saturday before travelling to Region 11 champ Morgan in the quarterfinals (if, of course, Delta can beat Union).

Neither of those games will be easy, and both opponents will certainly be out to eliminate the Rabbits. However, it's arguably a better draw than having to take on defending champ Logan and star QB Jeff Manning in the second round, which is what Juan Diego potentially faces.

With that in mind, the challenge for Delta this weekend is obvious — take care of business.

The Rabbits have hung their hats on defense all fall, and they'll rely on their defensive guys to lead the way in the 3A postseason.

On the other side of the ball, several solid weapons surround 1,000-yard rusher Derek Peterson.

Of course, Delta better not overlook Union in the opening round, or there won't be a second round to talk about.

Co-Region 10 champs and 3A semifinalists a season ago, the Union Cougars have endured an up-and-down season this fall as they've attempted to replace all-everything quarterback Rhen Richard under the direction of new coach Sam Elliott, who came to Roosevelt from Tooele High.

However, the Cougars pulled out a 24-21 win over Wasatch to qualify for the postseason, and they've got several things going for them.

It all starts with the offensive line, which has clearly been the strength of Union's football team this fall.

The big boys up front have helped enable QB Gauge Smith to impressively throw for 20 TDs while opening holes for a balanced rushing attack.

Union statistical breakdown