High school football 5A preview: Hunter at Layton

Hunter (4-6) at Layton (8-2)

5A state tournament first round

Friday, 3 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Layton by 9.5 points

All-time series: Hunter leads 1-0

Last meeting: 5A playoffs, Oct. 27, 2000 — Hunter 31, Layton 14

When Hunter coach Dustin Pearce breaks down his first-round playoff opponent, he sees a team that looks awfully familiar.

For years, the Wolverines have been built by a strong defense and solid running game. Those are the same characteristics that have made their first-round opponent, Layton, a state powerhouse the last two seasons.

"Their defense is extremely physical and that's our strength is defense," Pearce said. "Their offense has been more complementary of their defense than ours. They've sustained more drives. The difference between Layton and us is that they do that (sustain drives) and we don't."

Another difference is that the Lancers had to overcome a ton of adversity in winning the Region 1 championship this season. The Lancers' difficult year began back in June when junior Kade Cooper died in a 7-on-7 passing tournament in Ogden.

Injuries don't really compare to a tragic death like Cooper's, but the Lancers have had plenty of them, and in key places. Star running back LaVaughn Jackson broke his foot in the team's opener and is still trying to get back to 100 percent. Fullback Karl "The Truth" Williams filled in for Jackson at tailback, and did an admirable job while dealing with his own ailments.

Despite the adversity, the Lancers still finished the season with an 8-2 record and a top seed in the playoffs.

"They got some very skilled kids," Pearce said. "The (Camren) Applegate kid does a good job at quarterback. Their tight end (Thomas Bryson) is a spectacular athlete. Their defense gets to the ball. Their running backs are solid, too. Their overall team speed is impressive. They won that region for a reason. They're a well-rounded football team."

The key for Hunter to pull off the upset will be its ability to run the ball and sustain drives. The Wolverines made some plays — and mistakes — in their passing game against Riverton last week. Pearce now wants to get back to what Hunter's known for — pounding the ball with a physical rushing attack.

That won't be easy against a Layton team that's allowed just 11.4 points per game this season.