High school football 5A preview: Northridge at Bingham

Northridge (6-4) at Bingham (8-2)

5A state tournament first round

Friday, 3:30 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Bingham by 28 points

All-time series: Northridge leads 5-1

Last meeting: 5A playoffs, Oct. 28, 2005 — Bingham 14, Northridge 6

After struggling in their first two games, the Bingham Miners have looked every bit the state-title contenders they were expected to be before the season began.

The Miners have won eight straight games, cruised to the Region 3 championship and earned a home playoff game against Northridge on Friday afternoon.

That's where the good news ends. Playing the high-powered Knights isn't much of a reward for Bingham's stellar play in the last two months.

"I think they're as talented as any team in the state," said Bingham coach Dave Peck. "On any given day, they're capable of beating anyone and we're well aware of that."

Northridge features a dynamic set of playmakers, but they have battled injuries throughout the season. Running back Peni Maka'afi has been slowed by various ailments and missed playing time. Receiver/safety Chris Washington has played with a broken bone in his foot.

Knights quarterback Junior Cole and receiver Blake Smithing have been steady during the season.

"I think they're good," Peck. "It's one of those games where we're going to have to play well to win."

The Miners have been doing a lot of that lately. Their smallest margin of victory in Region 3 play was a 27-point victory over Riverton. They also beat playoff teams in Jordan and Lone Peak.

Bingham lost to Skyline in its opener while playing without some of its suspended leaders. The Miners then lost to rival Alta in Week 2 after enduring a grueling week of practice. That was the turning point in Bingham's season, as the players learned what will be expected of them on a daily basis, and what it means to wear a Bingham uniform.

"I thought our kids played really hard that night (in the loss to Alta)," Peck said. "I wanted to see if the kids would come compete and play hard and they did. Of course, I always want to win, but we definitely took steps forward."