Font ResizeIn the week leading up Bingham's semifinal matchup against Alta, the defensive players were presented with a challenge.
"[In the middle of the week], we get to school and they hand us a sheet," said defensive lineman Seni Fauonuku. "It was a whole new defense."
Bingham coach Dave Peck had confidence his players could make the adjustments in a short time because he would provide the necessary tools for them to do so. He told them what to expect from Alta and how to stop it.
That level of preparation paved the way for Bingham to beat Alta 28-19 for a spot in the Class 5A title game this week. The Miners will need that same level of preparation to take on a tough Davis team.
"They're a team that is easier to prepare for but, in a lot of ways, harder to stop," Bingham coach Dave Peck said. "If you're not up for the challenge, you're in for a long day."
It's no secret Davis is a running team and running back Tanner Hinds is the player to stop. Yet, teams throughout the season haven't found a way to do it. Heading into the championship game, Hinds is nearing 1,900 rushing yards and has scored 23 touchdowns. He's averaged 7.4 yards a carry.
Junior quarterback Gavin Fowler has been dependable this year, completing 61.5 percent of his passes, but it's the Darts' running game that has propelled them to the state football final.
And Davis coach Ryan Bishop isn't going to stray from that.
"We're going to do what we
In Davis' 10 wins, the Darts have kept opponents to an average 8.5 points.
"They're not real flashy but they're a no-nonsense team," Peck said. "They get after people and execute."
The advantage Bingham could have over Davis is its balance. The Miners have a strong running game with Harvey Langi and Richie Vakapuna, but they have a solid passing game, too. The Miners employ two quarterbacks. Stefan Cantwell is a running quarterback, having rushed for 468 yards and eight touchdowns and completed 8 of 15 passes for 218 yards.
Ty Hannay has thrown for 1,503 yards and 20 touchdowns. And like their counterparts, the Miners are just as intimidating on defense. There was a stretch during region play when Bingham didn't allow opponents to score more than a touchdown for four straight weeks. The defense has 19 interceptions this season.
"They're not ranked the No. 1 team for no reason," Bishop said.
Davis and Bingham know what they'll be up against when they face each other for the state title.
"This is what we've been wanting to do the whole year," Hannay said. "This is what we've been working for."
