High school football 1A preview: Altamont at Milford

Altamont (5-4) at Milford (5-5)

1A state tournament quarterfinal

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Altamont by 11

All-time series: Altamont leads 11-7

Coach vs. Coach: Altamont's Mick Fieldstead leads Milford's Robert Langston, 1-0

Last meeting: Oct. 15, 2009 (Week 9) at Milford — Altamont 20, Milford 0

Unlike their previous game two weeks ago, there's much more at stake this Saturday when Altamont and Milford meet again.

Altamont's 20-0 win back on Oct. 15 was a nonregion clash, but now they're meeting in the 1A quarterfinals and this time around the game is in Milford.

Despite the shutout loss just a few weeks back, Milford coach Robert Langston is confident his team can compete.

"We'll compete with them," said Langston. "I think we can give Altamont everything they want."

It won't be easy as Milford goes into the game shorthanded with season-ending injuries to Austin Thieme, Logan DeGraffenried and Chad Netto, all three of whom started both ways.

Milford's biggest obstacle though might be overcoming its own turnover problems.

"That's our biggest setback, we do not control the ball very well when it comes to crucial times," said Langston.

That same thing happened back on Oct. 15 where Milford turned it over five times compared to zero turnovers for Altamont.

If Altamont running backs Zach Hatch and Zaquri Brinkerhoff continue to protect the football it gives the Longhorns a great chance at advancing to the semifinals. The winner faces 1A North champion Rich on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 2 p.m. at Snow College.

Altamont statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 26.3 ppg

Scoring defense: 20.0 ppg

Passing leader: Bryson Foy (32-56, 57.1%, 275 yards, 7 TDs)

Rushing leader: Zach Hatch (87 carries, 673 yards, 11 TDs)

Receiving leader: Garrett Sorensen (9 catches, 218 yards, 3 TDs)

Tackles leaders: Waylon Thompson (55 tackles), Zaquri Brinkerhoff (54 tackles).

Sacks leader2: Morgan Carroll, Zach Hatch, Brady Thacker, Shelby Thayne, Waylon Thompson (1 sack)

Interceptions leader2: Zach Hatch, Madsen DeeJay (1 interception)

Note: Stats don't include last week's game yet.

Milford statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 20.9 ppg

Scoring defense: 17.5 ppg

Passing leader: Jacob Ihde (2 TDs)

Rushing leader: Jacob Ihde (17 TDs)

Receiving leader: Nathan Durant (3 TDs)

Tackles leader: Player N/A

Sacks leader: Player N/A

Interceptions leader: N/A