The players, the coaches, the fans, the mascot, heck, the entire town remembers last season when Hurricane made it all the way to the Class 3A championship game.
They also remember the sting of defeat, they remember Juan Diego celebrating at midfield and the hurt of coming up short.
"It's something that we never want to feel again," Tigers coach Chris Homer said. "We got there last season, and played well and we lost on a field goal. The kids expect to win next week. We just have to go out there and may the best team win."
Hurricane and Juan Diego have been the two best teams in the state over the course of the season. The Soaring Eagle are unbeaten in the state of Utah and have been dominant all year. More than that, Juan Diego's proved to be able to play with anyone in the state. In a matchup against Springville, which will face Timpview for the Class 4A championship, the Soaring Eagle dominated, securing a 24-6 win that resonated throughout the state.
Juan Diego's the only team to beat Springville this season.
"They're a great team," Hurricane running back Jacob Pugh said. "They have great players, they have great coaches and a great program. We're going to have to play well if we want to win."
Hurricane's led by Pugh and Jarom Healy, who rushed for 140 yards in the 24-19 win over Park City. Healy's been injured for most of the season with a torn MCL in his knee. He returned to the lineup a few weeks ago.
Both teams can throw when they have to. Both teams love to run the football and both teams have quick athletic defenses and a dominant running back.
Tana Vea's been one of the best backs in the state for Juan Diego. The Soaring Eagle, however, will be without Keegan Andersen, a stalwart defensive back and a Utah State commit. He broke his leg in the semifinal win over Wasatch.
» Juan Diego and Hurricane played for the Class 3A title last year and will play for the championship again Friday.
» The Soaring Eagle nipped the Tigers 21-18 in the title game last year and Hurricane still stings from the loss.
