5A high school football preview: Lone Peak at Hunter

Lone Peak (9-2) at Hunter (7-3)

5A state tournament quarterfinal

Friday, 4 p.m.

Parry's Power Guide: Lone Peak by 14

All-time series: Hunter leads 2-0

Coach vs. Coach: First meeting between Hunter's Dustin Pearce and Lone Peak's Tony McGeary

Last meeting: Sept. 10, 2004 – Hunter 27, Lone Peak 6

Lone Peak couldn't have faced two teams with more contrasting styles than the ones they drew in the first two rounds of the 5A playoffs.

The Knights eliminated pass-happy West Jordan in the first round by keeping the Jaguars' potent offense in check. This week, the Knights play smash-mouth Hunter in the quarterfinals with a trip to Rice-Eccles Stadium on the line.

"They're big and physical — those are two words to describe them," Lone Peak coach Tony McGeary said of the Wolverines. "They got off to a rough start and they've really improved."

Perhaps no team has come as far as Hunter during the 2009 high school football season. The Wolverines lost three of their first four games but have since rallied to win their last six. Hunter can run the ball as well as anyone in the state, and it'll be a challenge for the Knights to match the Wolverines' physicality.

McGeary believes games against opponents with great size such as Pleasant Grove, American Fork and Brighton will have his players prepared for Hunter.

"We've been solid (against the run)," McGeary said. "We'll load the box and just try and bang with those guys."

That's easier said than done. Hunter has been able to run on its last six opponents. Last week, La'au Tanuvasa rushed for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 31 carries in the team's win over Weber.

"Our size will help us a little bit," said Hunter coach Dustin Pearce. "We're a physical team and that plays to our advantage a little bit. It's contrasting football. They want to throw. We want to run."

Lone Peak's offense played a great first half against West Jordan last week. Quarterback Tannon Pedersen had a hot hand early, completing three touchdown passes in the first half to build a 21-0 halftime lead. The Knights only kicked two field goals in the second half against the Jaguars, and McGeary knows that two good quarters won't be enough against Hunter.

"We got to improve some things," McGeary said. "We got to clean some things up offensively and play well for four solid quarters."

The Wolverines have faced their share of passing teams, so they feel ready for Lone Peak. Pearce compares the Knights' passing attack to Cottonwood's.

"We've played numerous teams that like to chuck it up," Pearce said. "Our guys will be prepared and excited for another challenge. You've got to beat the best to be the best and right now I think Lone Peak is one of the best teams in the state."