So here it is.

Highland and Mountain Crest. Top seed in Region 5, against the top seed in Region 6. In the second round.

Some would think that scenario's unfair. Others, such as Springville coach Scott Mitchell, didn't have a problem with the early matchup pitting two top seeds against each other, saying "You have to play somebody good at some point. It may as well be now."

So now that the pleasantries are out of the way, it's a fact that this game promises to be the best game in the state when it comes to the second round of the playoffs.

There are stars on each side.

Mountain Crest boasts sensational junior quarterback Alex Kuresa, one of the best players in the state period. All Kuresa's done this season is throw for almost 3,000 yards and toss 32 touchdown passes, and he's not the only great player the Mustangs have.

Alex Knowles, Matt Stewart and Tyler Weese have all amassed over 40 catches this season, with Weese totaling over 1,000 receiving yards. Knowles and Weese have combined for 26 touchdown catches.

Highland's almost as star-studded. Toi Taufa's a stud at running back. He's rushed for 1,166 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

Mason Keller's solid if not spectacular at quarterback and junior Nate Fakahafua's a game-changer at receiver. He's got Division I size, speed and talent.

Both teams have won their share of tough games. Mountain Crest defeated Sky View while the Rams

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have beaten Bountiful and Woods Cross. The key for Highland is to make Kuresa as uncomfortable as possible. He's so elusive that he's going to make plays regardless. But if he's not chewing up big chunks of yardage through the air, it makes the Mustangs a lot less effective.

For Mountain Crest, shutting down Taufa is the key. Do that, and the rest of the team suffers.

tjones@sltrib.com