The five state champion football teams all had one thing in common: their defenses ruled.

Each of the title winners put together stretches where they couldn't be scored on. Of the five champions, Bingham's statistics were probably the least impressive. But it was obvious that of all the great defenses in the state, the Miners' was the best.

Bingham was only challenged twice - in a No. 1 vs. No. 2 game against Jordan in the preseason, and by Alta in the 5-A title game. Other than that, the Miners won all of their games by at least two touchdowns. Many of the points Bingham allowed were given up by the team's junior varsity defense.

Timpview became a state power with an electrifying and innovative offense. But that wasn't the case in 2006, as the Thunderbirds were uncharacteristically carried by a stout defense. Timpview shut out four consecutive opponents during the regular season and went 27 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown.

Bear River started out the season 0-3, but got on track with - you guessed it - its defense. The Bears won their final nine games and claimed their third state title in four years with a quick and hard-hitting defense. Bear River also featured a strong running game that was unstoppable by the time the team made it to Rice-Eccles Stadium.

The champions in Class 1-A and 2-A had results that were eerily similar.

San Juan shut out six opponents, including Millard in the 2-A championship game. The Broncos blanked three consecutive teams during the regular season.

Duchesne, which won its first state football championship, shut out six opponents, including Kanab in the 1-A title game. The Eagles kept four straight teams off the scoreboard during a stretch in the regular season.

It was a good year for college recruits, with many of the state's top players signing with Brigham Young. Two athletes, Judge Memorial's Cort Dennison (Washington) and Cottonwood's Simi Fili (Oregon), signed with Pac-10 programs.

TEAM CHAMPIONS - Bingham (5-A), Timpview (4-A), Bear River (3-A), San Juan (2-A), Duchesne (1-A).

MVPs - Jordan Pendleton, Bingham; Devin Mausia, Timpview; Garland Munns, Bear River; Marley Haws, San Juan; Weston Despain, Duchesne.

ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Ð Cort Dennison, Judge Memorial

LOOKING AHEAD - Last year may have been the beginning of a Bingham dynasty. The Miners will find out quickly where they stand with games against Skyline and Alta to start the year. Timpview looks like the favorite to repeat in 4-A, but it will need to watch out for Highland, Mountain Crest and Cottonwood. The races in 1-A, 2-A and 3-A appear to be wide open.