High school football: Morgan's loss ends the Region 11 title run

Region 11's long reign of dominance over 3A football in the state is over. Hurricane's 26-9 win in Thursday night's semifinal guaranteed that a team from a different region will take home the title for the first time since 2002.

Over the course of six years, Bear River has claimed three titles, Logan took two and Tooele won the first of the run in 2002. Hurricane, from Region 9, will play the winner of today's contest between Region 8's Juan Diego and Park City of Region 10.

Hurricane coach Chris Homer knows firsthand what Region 11 has been capable of. His 2005 squad was stampeded in the semi-finals 59-29 by a Logan team led by the electrifying Riley Nelson. That night Nelson put up what can only be categorized as video game stats: 412 yards passing for four touchdowns, 156 yards rushing and another four touchdowns. This year's result is obviously more pleasing for the Trojans.

"We feel like we're better prepared than that year, and we've worked hard to get here," Homer said. "Every year is different and I think the best team wins out every year. I know Region 11 has been dominant, especially in the finals, but it's nice to get here. It's nice for our kids."

For the Morgan Trojans, there is obvious heartache from the loss, but it's coupled with a disappointment from not being able to extend the region's run.

"I kind of feel bad about letting Region 11 down, but our kids did a lot of good things that people didn't think they could do," head coach Kovi Christiansen said. "The scary thing is we get Juan Diego and Judge (Memorial) in that region next year, so it's going to be powerful."

Homer pointed out that Region 11's dominance was bound to end due to constantly shifting student body size and talent dips.

"We're all trying to build programs that stay on top. I do believe 3A teams cycle, even in Region 11," he noted. "Except for Logan, they don't cycle much, but they're going 4A next year."

Statewide realignment will impact all regions in 2009. Besides the two teams Christiansen mentioned moving in, Logan and Ogden will move up to 4A. Hurricane will remain in Region 9.

The 2001 Delta Rabbits of Region 8 were the last team outside Region 11 to claim a 3A state title.