Parowan (2-7) at South Sevier (8-1)

2A state tournament quarterfinal

Saturday, 1 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: South Sevier by 13

All-time series: South Sevier leads 11-4

Coach vs. Coach: South Sevier's Travis McAllister leads Parowan's Matt Labrum, 3-0

Last meeting: Sept, 25 2009 (Week 6) at South Sevier — South Sevier 24, Parowan 0

By the time South Sevier finally steps on the field this Saturday for its 2A quarterfinal game against visiting Parowan, it will have been 16 days since since the Rams' season-ending loss at Enterprise.

Coach Travis McAllister said he doesn't think it's ever good to lose a game, but losing an undefeated season and sole possession of a region championship on the final day of the regular season has refocused his players.

"I think that loss opened their eyes," he said. "Talking to some of the seniors they kind of feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders."

The Rams (8-1) don't have to worry about all that undefeated talk anymore. Now they can just try and go out and play football.

Their opponent this Saturday at 1 p.m. is definitely no stranger. South Sevier beat Parowan 24-0 in a region game back on Sept. 24. McAllister said the game was closer than the final score might indicate, but at the same time it was a game South Sevier was always in control of.

Convincing his players that last month's win doesn't guarantee them similar success in the playoffs is McAllister's biggest challenge this week.

"We really have to focus on getting these kids prepared from a mental aspect," said McAllister.

While South Sevier enjoyed a bye week last week, giving numerous sick players time to recover, Parowan trounced North Sevier 36-6 in the first round to advance to this Saturday's game. It was just Parowan's second win of the season, but the Rams (2-7) have been playing better as of late.

Parowan played Enterprise, Beaver and Kanab tough during region play and was perhaps unlucky not to win one of those games.

The confidence gained from those narrow loses could help Parowan as makes the jaunt up to Monroe for what could be an intriguing quarterfinal showdown on Saturday.

Nonetheless, McAllister likes the way his team is playing.

"We feel like we have a pretty good game plan for them, we'll do a lot of the same things," he said. "We just need to make sure the effort is there."

Parowan statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 16.2 ppg

Scoring defense: 22.22 ppg