1A high school football preview: Altamont at Diamond Ranch

Altamont (4-6) at Diamond Ranch (7-3)

1A state tournament quarterfinal

Saturday, 11 a.m.

Parry’s Power Guide: Diamond Ranch by 5

All-time series: Diamond Ranch leads 2-0

Coach vs. coach: Diamond Ranch’s Robbie Dias leads Altamont’s Mick Fieldstead, 2-0

Last meeting: Sept. 7, 2012 (Week 4) — Diamond Ranch 20, Altamont 19

When these teams met in the preseason, Diamond Ranch rallied for the 20-19 victory. D-Backs coach Robbie Dias can only hope it’s as competitive this time around.

Diamond Ranch will be without five of its most important players after they were ejected in the fourth quarter of last week’s 41-21 victory over Summit Academy.

“Right now I’m pretty sick to my stomach,” said Dias about trying to put together a game plan without his five “studs” as he referred to them.

All five play on the both sides of the ball, but defense is where they’ll be missed the most.

Altamont running back Kyle Foy has rushed for more than 1,500 yards this season, including 181 yards against Diamond Ranch’s first-string defense back on Sept. 7.

“Right now I’m scared out of my mind because Altamont is amazing. Altamont will get the ball and chip away and take an entire quarter with the ball,” said Dias.

Diamond Ranch is much more of a quick-strike team led by the passing of quarterback Ryan Ong, who has passed for more than 1,400 yards and 12 TDs this season.

Despite the absence of some key players, Diamond Ranch is rolling into the playoffs with plenty of momentum. Since dropping a 37-7 game at Duchesne in Week 5, the D-Backs have reeled off five straight wins against Milford, Monument Valley, Monticello, Rich and Summit Academy.

Dias said the Duchense loss was a humbling experience for everyone, but he believes it helped everyone refocus and it’s been a big catalyst in the resurgence.

Altamont heads into the playoffs coming off a 34-14 loss to Duchesne, but the Longhorns won three straight prior to that setback and coach Mick Fieldstead said his team is feeling pretty confident nonetheless

His biggest concern against Diamond Ranch is in the secondary. The Longhorns have struggled defending the pass at times this season, and D-Backs’ quarterback Ong is coming off a four touchdown performance last week.

A heavy dose of Foy on the ground may ultimately be Altamont’s best defense as it keeps Ong and his offensive weapons on the sideline.

Altamont statistical breakdown

(Note: Does not include Week 10 stats)

Scoring offense: 19.8 ppg

Scoring defense: 27.8 ppg

Passing leader: Alex Mackey (13-39, 33.3 percent, 196 yards, 3 TDs, 10 INTs)

Rushing leaders: Kyle Foy (230 carries, 1,441 yards, 13 TDs)

Receiving leaders: Dylan Lindsay (3 rec., 62 yards, 0 TDs)

Tackles leaders: Not provided

Sack leaders: Not provided

Interception leaders: Not provided

Diamond Ranch statistical breakdown

Scoring offense: 27.6 ppg