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West Jordan • Jordan's defense is usually a punch line, but the Beetdiggers' overshadowed unit delivered the punch on Friday night.

The game against West Jordan evolved into an old-fashioned shootout, in typical Jordan fashion, in the third quarter, which saw both programs combine for 34 total points in 12 minutes.

But the Beetdiggers did not relinquish another point, with three consecutive defensive stands, including on fourth-and-1 on their own 23, to escape with a 41-35 win.

"They've been doing that in some of our games," said Jordan coach Eric Kjar. "They did that against Brighton and Pleasant Grove. Late in games, they've been coming up with stops. I don't know if we're wearing people down, but I'm glad we're stepping up."

The victory essentially ensures Jordan will finish at least second in Region 3 with games against Copper Hills, Bingham and Cottonwood remaining. The Beetdiggers will be heavily favored against the Grizzlies and Colts, and, even if they lose to the top-ranked Miners, they'll own the tiebreaker against the Jaguars.

Jordan has won six straight in the series dating to 2005, when West Jordan coach Mike Meifu played for the Jaguars.

Entering the game, Jordan receiver Spencer Curtis was 53 yards from establishing the state record for career receiving yards. After hauling in a 45-yard touchdown to put his team up 6-0, he broke the record shortly thereafter on a quick route to the sideline.

"It feels pretty cool. I'm pretty happy about it," said Curtis, who recovered quickly from an ACL tear before the season.

Add Kjar: "It's funny, when he came as a freshman — trying not to mean — he kind of was a dork. You're surprised he's as good as he is. He looks nerdy, then you get him out there and he catches everything. I'm really proud of him. He's worked hard."

The Jaguars reeled off 21 second-quarter points via a 1-yard touchdown by Forest Rich, was set up by an interception by Jacob Yada, and two touchdown passes from Dylan Krans, one to Mack Wakley and the other to Dallin Jamison to take a 21-13 (Jordan scored on a 1-yard TD by Jake Shaver) lead at half.

That's when the madness unfolded. Jordan scored on all three of its third-quarter possessions: a 16-yard TD by QB Crew Wakley, a 61-yard connection from Wakley to Isaiah Jackson, and another 4-yard run by Wakley. West Jordan scored on both of its drives, a 7-yard Krans-Jamison hookup and a 34-yard strike from Krans to Preston Michaelsen.

After the first defensive stand, Jordan captured the lead for good with a 5-yard run by Wakley and a two-point conversion from Shaver.

"Defensively, our guys come out every game. They want to play hard," said Malik Davis, who had two critical sacks on the final Jaguar drive. "We don't want to give into them because they think we're vulnerable. We don't want to let up a single play."

tphibbs@sltrib.com Twitter: @trevorphibbs —

Storylines

R Jordan positions itself to host a opening round postseason game with a come-from-behind win against West Jordan.

• The Beetdiggers defense made three straight stops to win their six straight rivalry matchup against the Jaguars.

• Jordan wide receiver Spencer Curtis sets the state record for career receiving yards.