5A high school football playoffs: Fremont at Alta

Fremont (5-4) at Alta (8-2)

5A state tournament first round

Friday, 5 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Alta by 20

All-time series: Series tied 3-3

Coach vs. Coach: Fremont's Kory Bosgieter and Alta's Les Hamilton, first meeting

Last meeting: 5A semifinal, Nov. 9, 2006 — Alta 28, Fremont 0

Yet again, the Alta Hawks enter the 5A state tournament with home field advantage and a region championship under their belts, on a path that could soon lead them right back to the turf at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Standing between the defending state champions and the quarterfinals, however, is a pesky Fremont team, and the Hawks know this isn't an opponent to take lightly.

"I know they (the Silver Wolves) have a good defense," Alta head coach Les Hamilton said. "I expect a physical, hard-fought battle."

The 8-2 Hawks, ranked No. 2 in 5A, will have starting quarterback Jordan Brown back in the lineup for the second week in a row. After spending three games on the sideline with a shoulder injury, Brown took his place under center last week against Pleasant Grove and led his team to a come-from-behind overtime victory.

"He looked spectacular at times (against PG), and rusty at others," Hamilton said of Brown's return. "We're looking for consistency this week."

In addition to Brown, the Hawks have been dealing with other personnel adjustments due to injuries, as most teams are at this point in the season. Hamilton said his team is a little banged up, but that the coaching staff has done a good job at tweaking the lineup in this type of situation.

Alta standout linebacker Parker Hausknecht is out for the season with a knee injury.

Of greater concern for the coach — unforced errors. The Hawks have been penalized greatly throughout the season, particularly in crucial situations.

"Holds and stuff like that happen," Hamilton said. "But things like personal fouls, those unforced errors, we're focusing on minimizing those."

The Fremont game plan isn't much different than it has been the entire season. "On offense, we need to take care of the ball," Fremont coach Kory Bosgieter said. "When we get an opportunity to make a play, we need to make the play."