"My role was to be a leader and step it up," Dotson said. "When we need yards, we need yards and I'll go get them. When my name is called, I'm going to step up."

Dotson had just 33 yards on 10 carries in the first half, but finished with 124 on 24 carries to help the Tigers beat Morgan 26-9 in the semifinals to advance to the Class 3A state title game.

Hurricane will meet the winner of the Park City-Juan Diego game, which takes place today at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

The Tigers had a 9-3 lead after the first half, but Dotson's two touchdowns - a 15-yard rush in the third quarter and a 1-yard run in the fourth - put the game out of reach for the Trojans. His two scores gave Hurricane a 20-point cushion.

"Dotson was really tough at times, getting yards all by himself. I've had special backs before and they just want it more," Hurricane coach Chris Homer said. "He's got the physical tools, but he's just mentally and physically tough. He had a lot of heart."

At times, it took a handful of Morgan defenders just to take Dotson down. At other times, he just pounded his way through. He said his aggressiveness is what made the difference in the second half.

"The first half, we're just feeling each other out. But, the second half, we were just ramming the ball down their throats, and it helps when they're on their heels," Dotson said. "We worked so hard this summer, I had to get [those yards]. It's a pride thing."

mthach@sltrib.com