This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If Lone Peak's offense is death by explosion for opposing teams, Bingham's prefers suffocation.
If it wasn't two-way star Daniel Loua, running back Amoni Kaili stepped in. When he needed a break, it was fullback Tate Peterson's turn to tote the ball.
"Pretty impressive when you have three running backs run the ball the way they did," Bingham coach John Lambourne said. "I like it; it's good for us."
The Miners slowly ground down Fremont on Thursday afternoon with a plowing rush offense and a stingy defense in a 35-12 win to set up next week's battle of contrasting styles that will decide the 5A championship.
The Bingham offense scored on drives of nine, 10, 10, eight and five plays, a strategy Lambourne said was employed to keep Fremont's offense in check.
"You don't want to get messing around with a high-scoring team like that and defeat yourself," the Bingham coach said.
The Miners' defense held its own against an explosive Fremont attack, now the eighth time in nine weeks the Miners have held opponents to 14 points or less.
Still, there were openings for Fremont's offense in the passing game — wide receiver Haze Hadley slipped past the grasp of defenders on the edges and in the open field to the tune of 156 yards and a score.
Loua, who Lambourne said should be in the state MVP conversation, added nine tackles and a fumble recovery to his rushing total and said he's looking forward to another shot at the Knights after a win on the road earlier in the year.
It'll be Lone Peak's explosive air attack versus Bingham's methodical ground game to decide which team will rule 5A.
"They're a better team [than before]. We're a better team. We'll see who's better," Loua said."
Twitter: @BrennanJSmith —
Storylines
• Bingham's stingy defense holds its eighth opponent in nine weeks — and 10th overall this season — to less than two touchdowns.
• Three different running backs have at least 11 carries, and Daniel Loua leads the way with 132 yards.
• Bingham starter Jahvontay Smith rushes only three times due to dealing with a high-ankle sprain.