This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
"Jackpot: 7-7-7" is our prep football series published every Friday morning at 7 a.m. It analyzes the best seven games kicking off at 7 p.m. that evening.
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Take a bow, Mr. Tom Wharton. The man posted a perfect 7-0 record in Week 3, and has now pulled within one game of my lead. Hopefully I don't buckle under the pressure. I have to keep my composure. I've come too far. There's too much to lose. I have to keep my composure! Meanwhile, Brennan responded exquisitely from his 1-6 meltdown in Week 2 by going 5-2. Hold the fireworks, though. It's a long season.
So, where does everything stand now? Glad you asked.
SEASON STANDINGS
To Week 4 we march.
SKYLINE (2-1) AT WASATCH (2-1)
Nitty-gritty: Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum. Skyline was pummeled by previously unranked West Jordan last week, while Wasatch upended previously ranked Orem. I'm not entirely sure what to make of the Eagles at this point. Did they simply have a really, really bad second quarter last week? The Wasps, which scored 13 fourth-quarter points to complete the upset against the Tigers, will reveal the answer to that question. Wasatch capitalized on four turnovers last week, including two interceptions from its four-star kicker Skyler Southam. It's all about kicks and picks for that young man.
PREDICTIONS
Trevor Phibbs: Skyline
Tom Wharton: Skyline
Brennan Smith: Skyline
BEAVER (2-1) AT NORTH SUMMIT (2-1)
Nitty-gritty: The Braves were on the fortunate end of the one-point decision against Duchesne in the second week of the season. The same luck didn't repeat itself last Friday, as they fell 13-12 against Enterprise. Where is the offense? North Summit has had zero support for its defense the past two weeks, and that needs to change against Beaver, which looked impressive against Millard, and really has looked incrementally better since losing in the opening week against Canyon View. This game is a coin flip.
PREDICTIONS
Trevor Phibbs: North Summit
Tom Wharton: North Summit
Brennan Smith: North Summit
CANYON VIEW (3-0) AT DIXIE (2-1)
Nitty-gritty: The Falcons knocked off Cedar for the first time in a decade by holding tight on a two-point conversion, which would have won the game for the Reds. The win propelled Canyon View to its best start, at 3-0, since the 1998 season. But that hot start has a very strong possibility of falling cold against Dixie. The Flyers are massive favorites in this game, and for good reason. For Canyon View to end its 14-game losing streak in the series, it will need a combination of the best game its played all season and a smidgen of luck.
PREDICTIONS
Trevor Phibbs: Dixie
Tom Wharton: Dixie
Brennan Smith: Dixie
BOUNTIFUL (2-1) AT HIGHLAND (1-2)
Nitty-gritty: Highland is not your typical 1-2 club. The Rams lost to Mountain Crest and Sky View — two undefeated programs in the Class 5A level. Bountiful has looked much better after receiving a shellacking against Lone Peak, but the Knights have shown to be one of the top teams in the state. Get the ice baths ready for this game. It's going be physical, everything you'd expect from a Region 5 match. Neither team has reached the 20-point plateau against the other the past two seasons. Defense will be the dictator once again.
PREDICTIONS
Trevor Phibbs: Bountiful
Tom Wharton: Bountiful
Brennan Smith: Bountiful
TOOELE (2-1) AT STANSBURY (3-0)
Nitty-gritty: Tooele beat up on Stansbury during its first two years of existence, but has since lost four straight to the Stallions. Only one of those games was even remotely close in the fourth quarter. Friday will come down to the wire. The Buffaloes have shortened the gap between the two programs. Stansbury was supposedly rebuilding this season, but obviously that hasn't been the case. Its wins against North Sanpete and Salem Hills (although the Hawks are drastically down this season) are quality victories. It certainly doesn't take a football genius to claim: A whole ton of rushing yards will be seen here.
PREDICTIONS
Trevor Phibbs: Stansbury
Tom Wharton: Stansbury
Brennan Smith: Stansbury
FREMONT (2-1) AT MOUNTAIN CREST (3-0)
Nitty-gritty: After sneaking past Highland in the opening week, the Mustangs abused Bear River and Logan to the collective tune of 98 points. Disclaimer: It is important to remember Logan has yet to live up to its preseason projection with consecutive lopsided losses and Bear River has yet to win a single game. Fremont is a much different animal. The Silver Wolves rebounded from their two-point loss against Brighton by throbbing Riverton on their home turf. Considering both teams still have Sky View and Roy remaining on the schedule — this is a must-win for both clubs.
PREDICTIONS
Trevor Phibbs: Fremont
Tom Wharton: Fremont
Brennan Smith: Fremont
MAPLE MOUNTAIN (3-0) AT SPRINGVILLE (3-0)
Nitty-gritty: The game of the week, people! And it really is. This truly is an underrated rivalry in the state, too. Maple Mountain survived two weeks of chaotic finishes before virtually taking the week off last week. Springville has been as consistent as the early-morning rooster call. The sun comes up, the Devils play solid defense. That's how it works. Maple Mountain is the best team Springville has faced, and Jaren Hall is a real talent at quarterback for the Golden Eagles. How he performs tonight will serve as a real barometer to how good Springville's defensive unit really is.
PREDICTIONS
Trevor Phibbs: Maple Mountain
Tom Wharton: Springville
Brennan Smith: Maple Mountain
— Analysis by Trevor Phibbs