High school football 2A preview: Millard at Manti

Millard (4-6) at Manti (8-1)

2A state tournament quarterfinal

Friday, 3 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Manti by 12.5 points

All-time series: Millard leads 19-6

Last meeting: Regular season, Sept. 12, 2008 — Manti 27, Millard 7

Of the four 2A quarterfinals on tap this weekend, none is more intriguing than this match-up. Manti has been fantastic all season except for a turnover-riddled setback against Juab. As for Millard, a two-time 2A runner-up, nothing has gone right. Injuries have decimated the team and they're still a big concern heading into the quarterfinals.

Even if Millard were a healthy team this would be a tough test.

Manti has steam-rolled virtually everyone this year, including a 27-7 win over Millard in Week 4. It starts with quarterback Griffin Aste. He's completed 71.9 percent of his passes this year for 1,242 yards and eight touchdowns.

He's also a dangerous rushing threat, complimenting guys like Russell Hugentobler (7), Mathew Olson (7) and Chase Stevens (7). Opposing defenses have found it virtually impossible to stop Manti. Even Juab had a hard time stopping Manti in its win over the Templars.

If Manti avoids the turnovers that plagued it against Juab and should prevail in this first-round game.

Millard and its rich tradition won't go down without a fight. If the Eagles can get their ground game going with work-horse running back Clancy Mortensen they might be able to keep the game close. They'll have to otherwise their run of two straight state championship game appearances will come to a close.

Millard statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 16.4 ppg

Scoring defense: 27.8 ppg

Passing leader: Brad Dallin (6-30, 20%, 147 yards, 1 TD)

Rushing leader: Clancy Mortensen (130 carries, 1,041 yards, 14 TDs)

Receiving leader: Clancy Mortensen (7 catches, 114 yards, 3 TDs)

Tackles leader: Clancy Mortensen (71 tackles)

Sacks leaders: Justin Dickens, Rendon Shields (2 sacks)

Interceptions leader: Clancy Mortensen (2 interceptions)