Waterford and Juan Diego -- an unlikely matchup

DRAPER — In many ways, when Waterford and Juan Diego square off in the unlikeliest 3A soccer championship game ever on Friday, it'll be a matchup of step-siblings.

Sure the schools separated by just a few miles are huge rivals in Region 14 soccer, but throughout this year's 3A tournament, they've been linked by a common goal — respect.

It's tough to deny the small Salt Lake County schools respect any longer after they continued their march through the playoffs Thursday as Juan Diego beat Park City 2-0, and Waterford beat Delta 2-1.

While no one gave Waterford, a 1A school, and Juan Diego, a 2A school, much of a chance when the 3A tournament began, their coaches believed from the beginning.

"After our preseason games, Mark (Drown) and I talked, and said there's a chance," said Waterford coach Bob Capener. "We knew both of us had good teams."

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Late Friday night, one of the schools will be parading around as state champs. The 3A title game begins at 6 p.m. at Juan Diego High School.

"I think it's great," said Juan Diego coach Mark Drown. "We have a ton of respect for Waterford."

Waterford won both of the team's region games this year by scores of 2-1 and 3-2. Capener is quick to point out, however, that Juan Diego was hampered by injuries in both games, and doesn't believe his team has any mental edge.

Waterford advanced to the championship by virtue of another come-from behind victory. In Monday's quarterfinal game, the Ravens stunned top-ranked Ogden 2-1 after trailing 1-0 early in the game. Against the Rabbits, the Ravens were once again forced into some late-game heroics.

Delta went ahead first on Landon Noah's close-range header in the 34th minute.

"I wasn't worried about the noose tightening up," said Capener. "We're a team full of seniors. They're composed."