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Logan • In context of Utah prep football, the word "Logan" is associated with high-scoring offenses. The Grizzlies have been transcendent with the football for eons, with individuals and classes climbing the record books virtually every season.
The school is known as the quarterback factory, but with that title the defense is often unjustly overlooked. This season is no different. When Logan faces Dixie for the Class 3AA championship at Rice-Eccles Stadium at 11 a.m. on Friday — the defense must shine to earn the rings so eagerly coveted.
"Logan has always been known for offense," said defensive back Eric Laub, who has snagged a team-high six interceptions this season. "We've got Spencer [Corbett] with 20-something touchdowns, and Hunter [Horsley] is running all over people — it makes offense more of a focus. I think we have a lot of talent on the defensive side of the ball."
Coach Mike Favero is seeking his fifth championship in 17 seasons at the helm, and his four other title teams mirrored this year's group. In 2000, the Grizzlies averaged 18 points per game and allowed 9.1. In 2005, they averaged 48.3 and allowed 13.4. In 2007, they averaged 31.2 and allowed 15.4. In 2011, they averaged 43.6 and allowed 16.6. This year, the Grizzlies average 35 points per game and allow 20.9, but that statistic is deceiving.
Logan, which is undefeated within the classification, is surrendering only 13.6 points per game against 3AA competition. The points-allowed average is inflated by the 128 points the Grizzlies coughed up against Box Elder (4A), Sky View (5A) and Mountain Crest (5A) in the preseason.
"People talk about all the shutouts Bingham had, and we don't have those because we don't really play in the second half because we get a big lead in most of our games," Laub said. Against Judge, "We gave up one first down the first half, then the JV played. Tooele, there was one play that went for 92 yards and, other than that, we stopped them. It's hard for a team to keep driving the ball on us."
Logan has sacked the quarterback 23 times this season, while creating 28 turnovers, 18 of which were interceptions. Ben Miller (3 picks) and Troy Murray (12 sacks) each reached the 100-tackle plateau, while nine others, including Laub (40 tackles), Colton Hatch (81 tackles, 4 interceptions) and Will King (79 tackles, 3 interceptions), recorded at least 40 takedowns.
The Grizzlies (10-2) have yet to face as versatile of an offense as Dixie (9-2). The Flyers average more than 38 points per game and have eclipsed 40 points in six games. Logan is conceding a slim 265.7 yards per game against 3AA competition, including a mere 124.1 yards through the air.
"I feel like they're pretty good overall running the ball and throwing the ball," said Hatch. "I feel like this will be the first time we've gone against someone that's good at both."
For Laub, facing the explosiveness from his own teammates helps in preparation for his assignments on Friday.
"I guard Hartman Rector and Spencer Corbett every day. Those are two of the best guys in the whole state," Laub said. "I get some good reps throughout the week. It's good going against guys like that every day in practice."
The southern region, particularly Dixie, has dominated the 3AA classification for the past several years, giving Logan the distinction as the program with the potential to end the Flyers' bid for their third title in four seasons.
"[Class] 3AA is represented down there," Hatch said. "It would be cool to get a state championship for this valley. …Hopefully we get a lot of buses to go down and take a lot of kids [to the game for support]."
Twitter: @trevorphibbs —
3AA Championship Game
Dixie vs. Logan
Friday, 11 a.m.
TV » KJZZ