This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Manti Templars learned quickly that Juan Diego is not one-dimensional.

After a heavy rushing performance by the Soaring Eagles to open the season, the Templars stacked the box and quarterback Alex Hoffman exploited the tactic early and often. Hoffman connected on three touchdown passes and ran for another en route to a 28-0 shutout for the Soaring Eagle.

"If they're going to load up the box like that we very capable — Alex is very capable — of throwing the ball. We've got some nice receivers," said Juan Diego coach John Colosimo.

Hoffman had two of his three touchdown passes go for over 50 yards, the longest one being to his brother Zach, for 70 yards.

"It was nice. My mom's been waiting for that one for a while," said Hoffman.

While the Juan Diego offense was firing on all cylinders, the defense was stout. Manti moved the ball, but was rarely found inside Juan Diego's 30.

"We always want to shut teams down. That's always our goal," said Colosimo. "We've got some young kids in there, some new kids in there, so we're still trying to learn to be a good defensive team — but to get a shut has to boast their confidence."

The shutout was clinched in the closing minutes by an interception from senior Cullen Woodley. Despite the defensive effort, the story of the night was Hoffman.

"Alex has been a rock these last two weeks and a great leader for us," said Colosimo. "He's got great size where he can pull the ball down to run it when he has to, and also being able to raise up and find the right receiver to keep the chains moving."

And for Juan Diego, being able to show all facets of its offense will keep opponents guessing the rest of the season.

"I think that any time you can punch the other team in the mouth is great, because if you've got a good running, it's going to open up the passing and make the pass a lot easier to complete," said Hoffman. —

Juan Diego 28, Manti 0

R Juan Diego's Alex Hoffman was involved in all four scoring plays.

• The Manti offense only made it inside Juan Diego's 30-yard line twice.