2A high school football preview: Turnovers could be key in battle of 10-1 teams

Saturday, 11 a.m. — Alta High School (field turf)

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Parry's Power Guide — San Juan by 4

When the two best offensive and defensive teams in Class 2A meet for the state championship this Saturday on the turf at Alta High School, you can bet both coaches will be stressing the importance of hanging onto the football.

In a September meeting in Blanding between San Juan and South Summit, turnovers were a big story line as both teams coughed up their fair share in San Juan's 21-17 victory.

Minimizing those turnovers in the 11 a.m. rematch this Saturday will be key for both teams, particularly South Summit.

In San Juan's semifinal blowout victory over South Sevier last weekend, the Broncos forced six turnovers and scored two defensive touchdowns in an overwhelming display of dominance.

"And you mix those turnovers in with the field position off those turnovers, and San Juan was all over them quick," said South Summit coach Jerry Parker.

Even though San Juan won the earlier meeting and is a slight favorite in the rematch, South Summit features the top scoring offense (33.5 ppg) and scoring defense (9.6 ppg) in 2A. The Wildcats will need to play some of their best football if they expect to claim their first state title since 1988.

"They've got the best running back, the best quarterback, the best defensive lineman, their defense is good, it goes on and on with them," said Parker.

It all starts with running back Jace Holliday. He's a powerful back who averages 9.2 yards per carry and has rushed for 1,272 yards and 12 touchdowns this year.

Holliday rushed for 176 yards in the first meeting between these teams, and if he gets on track again, South Summit could be in for a long day — just like South Sevier.

Realistically, South Summit's offense is too good to expect that to happen.

"You can bet your life that nobody's going to take anybody for granted. They're not going to take us and we're certainly not going to take them for granted," said San Juan coach Monty Lee.

San Juan is seeking its fifth state championship in school history and its first since beating Millard in the title game back in 2006.

South Summit quarterback Trevor Lewis, who couldn't throw the ball in the second half against Grand in the semifinals due to a pair of injuries, appears to be fine heading into the championship according to Parker. That's good news for the Wildcats. They struggled to run the football in the first meeting, but had success through the air completing 10-of-19 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns.

"They're a good team, they threw the ball well on us. They have a good running game, and they're in the championship, so that's the credit to them," said Lee.

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