Cavemen, 'dogs to tangle

AMERICAN FORK -- Some of the better teams in high school football like to wait a game or two to be tested.

However, the American Fork Cavemen and Provo Bulldogs are two top- caliber teams that won't be coming out of the gate with a weak opponent to work the kinks out on. For the second straight year, the two football powers will open the season playing each other when they meet Friday night in American Fork.

Last year, the Cavemen were more established and more experienced and snuck out of Provo with a thrilling 21-14 win in a physical and bruising season-opener. This year, the Bulldogs are the team with the more experienced players, and almost every Provo player who participated in last year's contest is back for another shot at the Cavemen.

"That's not something I have to remind my kids about," American Fork coach Davis Knight said.

Despite the discrepancy in experience, most feel the two teams are fairly equal in talent. The Bulldogs are expected to challenge for the Region 7 title and make a run at the 4A state championship. The Cavemen don't have that high of expectations, but it wouldn't surprise many if they did fight for the Region 4 crown and go deep into the 5A playoffs.

"Last year, we just wanted to see if we could compete," Provo coach Clint Christiansen said. "This year, that's not good enough."

The game will be an early test of several football components for both teams. The Cavemen will find out if their new skill-position players -- quarterback Taylor Mangum and backs Anthony McGeery and Matt Harward -- can gain the yards and provide the same level of explosiveness that made last season's team successful. They'll also discover if their defense -- led by Colton Mathews and Jake Parker - - can be a little more stingy and not give up the big scoring plays that hurt the Cavemen last year.

The Bulldogs are going full-time with the option this season, and they're anxious to see how dominating their new game plan will be. Quarterback Warner Jarman and running back Austin Alder were both dangerous in the option game last season and could be even more effective this year. They have several linemen back to help -- Funaki Asisi, Nolan Samani and Weston Samani.

The game will clearly feature two differing styles of football, with American Fork using more of a misdirection and hide-the- football scheme, while the Bulldogs will grind it out with ball control and try to wear down the Cavemen. But the game could come down to special-teams play -- with both teams rebuilding in that area -- and turnovers. Last year, the Bulldogs coughed the ball up four times.

"We've really been focusing on not putting the football on the ground," Christiansen said.

The outcome could rest on which team executes the best and is more disciplined on defense.

"I don't have to look at any notes to know they're a big, physical and good football team. We're going to have to play well," Knight said.

Christiansen had similar compliments for the Cavemen: "They are loaded with athletes every year, and we'll have to play great to beat them."

Rayburn's pick: Provo

PAYSON AT MOUNTAIN VIEW: The Lions are on the rise, and the Bruins are rebuilding. Payson coach Colby Knight says he's got several explosive players who are going to open some eyes this season. The folks in Payson better wear sunglasses to this game. Rayburn's pick: Payson

VIEWMONT AT OREM: The Tigers, in recent years, have taken a while to get clicking on offense. With so many new faces on that side of the ball this season, things shouldn't be any different. The Vikings clobbered the Tigers last year. It should be closer this time around. Rayburn's pick: Viewmont

TIMPANOGOS AT LEHI: This game features two teams that are claiming to be vastly improved and much more competitive. Both will look a lot better, especially on offense, than the last time we saw them. The T-Wolves will have the most weapons in this shootout. Rayburn's pick: Timpanogos

COPPER HILLS AT SPANISH FORK: The Dons blew out the depleted Grizzlies last year, but this year's Copper Hills team is stocked for revenge. Still, that motivation will not be enough to spoil Griff Robles' and Jordan Smith's senior-season debut. Rayburn's pick: Spanish Fork

LONE PEAK AT BOUNTIFUL: The Knights have many new faces filling out the offensive line-up, and no one knows how good they'll be. But most know how good the Knights' offensive line will be. This game will be decided in the trench wars. Rayburn's pick: Lone Peak

TIMPVIEW AT PLEASANT GROVE: The Vikings are enthusiastic and ready to prove that they're a legitimate 5A team. However, the T- Birds are so big up front and so deep that they'll put the Vikings back on their heels early. Rayburn's pick: Timpview

SPRINGVILLE AT DIXIE: The Flyers are expected to be a very aggressive and tenacious defensive team. The Red Devils won't be in tune offensively for a game or two, and the distraction of the travel will keep them a little off pitch. Rayburn's pick: Dixie