Dillon Olsen didn't even try to hold back the tears.

Falling short of the goal he and his teammates set months ago during the sweltering heat and physical pain of summer camp was excruciating.

"We were prepared," he said after Hurricane defeated Park City 24-19 in the 3A semifinals Friday at Rice-Eccles Stadium. "I thought we were prepared. We came to play ... They just ran the ball really well."

But Olsen didn't just learn how to read an offense or run a route. He didn't just learn how to catch a pass or block for a teammate.

"I've learned how to work hard," he said wiping away tears that covered his cheeks. "I've learned to get back up when you get knocked down. It's about what you learn and how you improve, and that's what we've tried to do all year."

When asked if he'd trade his experience with the Miners for a state title at another school, he didn't hesitate.

"I wouldn't do it for anything," he said. "We're a band of brothers. I love every single one of these guys. We'd all do anything for each other."

Even the Miners' head coach Brandon Matich was at a loss for how to ease the pain for his players.

"It's going to be hard," Matich said. "Success for them was winning a state championship."

Junior Brian Schettler said the team's strong bond only exacerbated the sadness of falling short.

"This was hard," he said struggling to regain his composure. "We worked so hard. We all played hard. I just wish we all could have played just a little harder."

Schettler scored a touchdown on a 17-yard pass from Eric Walker in the fourth quarter that put the Miners within two points.

The Tigers scored on a 31-yard field goal, and it looked bleak when the Miners were stopped with two minutes left in the game. The Tigers fumbled on the five-yard line and the Miners got a miracle chance with 1:14 left in the game.

A run from Dylan Chynoweth and then quarterback Eric Walker moved the ball down the field. But with 4.8 left in the game, the Tigers intercepted a pass to end the game and earn a berth into the state championship game next week.

"Our kids are warriors," sai Matich, choking back emotion. "It's never over with them."

As his team gathered around him after the game, he was realistic with the boys.

"I'm not going to say anything that will make you feel better," he said. "You can hold your heads high. You are wonderful people."

And while the team may have fallen short of one goal, players most certainly achieved a more important aspiration.

"I hope they take with them a lifetime of positive memories," said Matich. "And I hope we've developed some pretty good young men."

e-mail: adonaldson@desnews.com