High school football to begin with 42 endowment games

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Aug 22, 2003 by James Edward Deseret Morning News

The long, long offseason is finally over.

A summer of weight lifting, conditioning, visiting various college camps, early morning practices and two-a-days is a distant memory. It's time to strap on the shoulder pads and helmet and play some football.

The 111th installment of Utah high school football gets underway tonight with 42 endowment games across the state. There are a few headliner games -- such as Skyline and Brighton -- along with some typical yawners.

Opening night's premier game has to be No. 1 Bountiful at No. 2 Lone Peak. The last time those two teams met, Bountiful's Dave Carroll merely booted a last-second game-winning field goal to lift the Braves to the 4A state championship -- the school's first in more than a decade.

"Our kids are excited to play them, and I'm sure their kids are excited to play us," said Bountiful coach Larry Wall.

Some of the best games involve premier 5A teams.

Bingham travels to No. 3 Hunter in a battle of former region rivals. The Wolverines could in fact be the best team in 5A right now with 12 returning staters, including offensive lineman Ray Feinga, Ron Tongaonevai and Sione Tupouniua.

No. 2 Skyline travels to Brighton in another elite game.

The Eagles are hungry bunch coming off their third straight state championship game setback. Brighton, meanwhile, is one of the most inexperienced teams in the state with one returning starter.

Skyline beat Brighton twice last year, including a 35-14 shellacking at the semifinals at the University of Utah. Brighton's string of 26 straight winning seasons could be in jeopardy this year with such a young team.

After Skyline, the Bengals face Davis, No. 4 Clearfield and No. 5 Alta. An 0-4 start is a frightening prospect for Brighton coach Tom Cushing.

In the No. 4 Clearfield at Jordan game, the question is whether Jordan's five new offensive lineman can create running lanes for tailback-extraordinaire Phil Poloa.

Lehi at Pine View highlights the 3A slate.

BEAVER HOMECOMING: Beaver head Brandon Draper will officially be on the sideline when the Beavers host Granite. Draper returned home shortly after noon Thursday after spending the last six months in Fort Lewis, Wash., on active duty with the National Guard. Assistant coach Steve Hutchings had been serving as the interim coach during summer and fall practices.

MILESTONES: With a win over Brighton on Friday night, Skyline coach Roger DuPaix will pass Beaver's Al Marshall as the all-time winningest coach in Utah high school football history. The coaches each have 229 wins. . . Logan is seeking its 400th victory at Bear River. Only nine other Utah schools have reached that mark . . . Emery is playing its 400th game this Friday.

TRADITIONAL CLASHES: North Summit and Park City will meet for the 91st time Friday, the state's second most-played rivalry . . . Logan and Bear River are meeting for the 72nd time while Ogden at Weber battle for the 66th time.

HONORING TROOPS: A few relatives of some Jordan High football players who fought in the war with Iraq will be honored during the coin toss before the Clearfield at Jordan game.

PICKS ON THE WEB: Try your hand at picking the winners of 12 prep football games each week throughout the 2003 season in the Deseret News Grid Picks. The most accurate prognosticators win cash prizes and T-shirts. Submit your predictions through the Prep Sports page at deseretnews.com/preps.

PREPS ON THE WEB: Can't wait for the nightly scores? Log on to deseretnews.com/preps and see the scores as soon as the Deseret Morning News receives the information from the coaches. While there, check out the your favorite high school's own Web page complete with the state's most comprehensive standings, schedules, results and leaders.

ATTENTION COACHES: A reminder to home coaches to please call the Deseret Morning News with the information from your game as soon as possible after the final whistle. The newspaper's local number is 237- 2161; long distance is 1-800-688-2161.

E-MAIL: jedward@desnews.com