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West • It's tough to be too disappointed in a second-place finish in Region 2 for the Panthers, but they had their chance to win it for themselves. A couple of close losses cost West down the stretch. Now the Panthers look to make their mark in the playoffs. Stopping Riverton's rushing attack will be key. Eric Takenaka is coming off a three-touchdown performance against Taylorsville and will be sure to make an impact in the first round of the playoffs.
East • Don't get too worried about that 46-14 loss to Logan, Leopard fans. While Logan decided to play everyone in the spirit of maximizing the number of games high school athletes get to play, East held people out in hopes of staying healthy and ultimately extending its season. There are few offensive attacks as potent as Jason Cook and his arsenal of weapons. He can hand off to the bruising Liti Molisi or the quick Jewka Patetefa, throw to rangy John Fakahafua or run it himself. East is poised for a deep playoff run.
Highland • It's hard to predict what we'll see from Highland Friday against Maple Mountain. They last played two weeks ago and got blanked 22-0 by East. Have the Rams straightened things out? Is Anthony Smithson healthy as quarterback? These are questions for which the answers will determine Highland's ability to repeat as state champions. Getting fullback Sione Houma going early can make all the difference.
Judge Memorial • The air got let out of Judge's balloon with a deflating 34-0 loss to rival Juan Diego. Are the Bulldogs a legitimate contender in 3A or the beneficiaries of a top-heavy Region 10? Judge shouldn't have much trouble getting through first-round opponent Cedar on Friday. But whether or not the Bulldogs keep things moving will be dependant on not turning the ball over and hitting the occasional big play.
Park City • The Miners have the opportunity to turn a poor 3-7 season into a success now that they've made the playoffs. It's a whole new season for the Miners. But it's a tough one that ends with the first loss. There's no doubt that Park City can put up points. But they haven't found a way to do it consistently or against great competition and haven't been the best at stopping good competition either. But as they say: Any given Friday, or something like that.
Jon Gilbert