High school football 3A preview: Wasatch at Juan Diego

Wasatch (2-8) at Juan Diego (10-0)

3A state tournament first found

Friday, 5 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Juan Diego by 31.5 points

All-time series: Juan Diego leads 3-1

Last meeting: Regular season, Sept. 12, 2008 — Juan Diego 31, Wasatch 0

On paper, there's no reason for top-ranked Juan Diego to be concerned as it heads into the 3A tournament this weekend

Its first-round opponent, Wasatch High, has struggled mightily this fall en route to a 2-8 record, including a 31-0 shutout loss at the hands of Juan Diego back in September, and the 10-0 Soaring Eagle will clearly be big favorites to take care of business at home.

But football games are most certainly not played on paper, and the Soaring Eagle must make sure it takes care of business before worrying about the bigger challenges that loom on the horizon.

After all, the tradition-rich Wasatch Wasps have a history of football success, and they're just one year removed from advancing to the 3A semifinals. Led by coach Steve North, the Wasps will believe they can win when they take the field against Juan Diego at 5 p.m. Friday inside Soaring Eagle Stadium.

To get the job done, Juan Diego must simply do the things that have gotten them to this point o play suffocating defense and make plays on offense.

The Soaring Eagle leads the state in scoring defense, giving up just 4.5 ppg. Jamie Markosian, Jacob Doughty, Frankie Sutera have had starring roles on that side of the ball, and they're complimented by a number of other outstanding players.

On offense, QB Brian May has made good decisions with the ball and can beat you through the air or on the ground. And Juan Diego's 1-2 running punch of Zach Kinninger and Tyler Morales has kept teams off balance all season.

Wasatch statistical breakdown (does not include Week 10 stats)

Scoring offense: 9.7 ppg

Scoring defense: 27.1 ppg

Passing leader: Payton Davis (99-208, 47.6%, 1,262 yards, 5 TDs)

Rushing leader: Michael Davis (111 carries, 388 yards, 6 TDs)

Receiving leader: Chase Nielson (18 catches, 290 yards, 1 TDs)