High school football 5A preview: Skyline at Layton

Skyline (7-4) at Layton (9-2)

5A state tournament quarterfinal

Friday, 3 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Layton by 1.5 points

All-time series: Skyline leads 14-3

Coach vs. Coach: Layton's Jim Batchelor leads Skyline's Roger DuPaix, 1-0

Last meeting: 5A first round, Nov. 2, 2007 — Layton 49, Skyline 0

You'd think Skyline would be talking about revenge while preparing to face Layton in the 5A quarterfinals on Friday afternoon.

In the same round last season, the Lancers whipped the Eagles 49-0. The blanking ended Skyline's state record of scoring in 261 consecutive games. The Eagles, however, aren't thinking about that loss and instead are focusing on Friday's rematch.

"Not especially," said Eagles coach Roger DuPaix when asked if his team is focused on revenge. "When we went into the game last year, we were banged up. Some of our key players were injured, and they were really a fine team. They are this year, too."

If Skyline and Layton had played a couple of weeks ago, the Lancers would have been considered big favorites. But the Eagles have regrouped since getting blasted by Jordan in Week 9, recording a shutout win over rival Brighton and a first-round smashing of Lone Peak, 31-3.

"The kids did OK," DuPaix said. "We feel good about the team's playing. I think we got this turned around a bit. We've been up and down, and I think we got moving in the right direction."

Skyline's defense has obviously played a big role in getting the Eagles moving forward. Skyline held Lone Peak to just 80 yards of total offense last week. Players such as Zach Englert, Caleb Latteier, Jeff Daw and Tenny Palepoi have significantly raised the play of the team's defense since giving up 41 points to Jordan three weeks ago.

"The defense is playing a little better than they have for a while," DuPaix said. "A lot of pressure is on them to control Layton's explosive offense. We need them to play big."

On offense, Dylan Lorimer and Davey Weixler have anchored Skyline's offensive line, while quarterback Kevin Wagstaff and running back Alge Brown form a strong 1-2 punch.