It doesn't matter that opponents know Davis will go to its running game. It doesn't matter that opposing teams will key in on running back Tanner Hinds, because the Darts aren't going away from what has worked for them all season long.
That's what was successful against Hunter in a 41-17 win in the Class 5A semifinals at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Friday and that's likely what Bingham will see next week in the state title game.
"We want to play great defense and give ourselves a chance to run well," Davis coach Ryan Bishop said. "That's been our philosophy. We're going to do what we do."
Even though opposing teams know that the running game has been a key to Davis' success, they've had a hard time stopping it.
Against Hunter, the Darts racked up 276 rushing yards. Opponents can focus in on Hinds all they want but he'll still find a way to get his yards. He had 19 carries for 187 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged just under 10 yards a carry.
"The line just makes holes," Hinds said. "They're going to do their job and I just follow them."
When Davis plays in the state championship game next week, they'll face a running back just as dominant as Hinds. Harvey Langi has rushed for just over 1,200 yards this year and led Bingham in the Miners' win over Alta in the other semifinal game.
Bingham is more balanced offensively and has a defense that held the Hawks -- a team that averaged just over 36 points a game heading into Friday's game -- to 19 points.
It didn't matter if the Miners were going to play Hunter or Davis. They just know they have to be prepared.
"[Beating Alta] is a big win," Bingham coach Peck said. "But it doesn't mean anything if we don't win next week."
» Bingham beats Alta 28-19 to advance to the state title game next week.
» The Miners will face Davis, which beat Hunter 41-17.
» When Davis plays Bingham, the Darts will go to what has been successful for them all season long -- the ground game.
