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After playing one of the worst games of his career last week in a tight 47-34 win over Timpview, East quarterback Ben Ford followed it with a masterful first-half performance in the Leopards' 64-13 win over Maple Mountain in Friday's first Class 4A semifinal.

After throwing two interceptions (including a pick-six) early against the Thunderbirds last week, Ford completed two of his three pass attempts in the first half Friday for 57 yards and two touchdowns. Then, just for good measure, he added another 79 yards and a touchdown on the ground to give the Leopards a 57-7 lead heading into the halftime break.

"Ben Ford has been that X-factor for us that's run our offense for us all year," East coach Brandon Matich said. "He's a tough kid. He's smart and he's a mentally tough kid. I wasn't worried about him overcoming anything — he's done that week in and week out."

But, as anyone who has played the game knows, football can be incredibly fickle.

Just a few plays into the second half, Ford was brought down hard to the turf while being tackled on a pitch play. After several minutes on the ground, the junior signal-caller would leave the game with a possibly broken right arm.

"It didn't look good," Matich said of Ford's injury. "If it is serious – then that's part of the deal. Football is 'next man up,' and that young man is a warrior. He's taken us a long way, and if he can't go next week then we'll do it for him."

Ford was replaced by fellow junior Nicolas Harris, who came into the game and completed one pass while rushing for 34 yards on eight carries. Matich has complete trust in his backup quarterback to run the prolific Leopard offense.

"Nic Harris is ready to go," Matich said. "He can throw the football as well as run the offense. If it is him next week, then I'm excited to see him go."

Harris, who had only played in two games heading into Friday, is poised to make the first start of his career on the state's biggest stage next week in the Class 4A state title game.

"It's kind of crazy," Harris said "I've been preparing all season; I've been told to be ready, and now it's my time. Be ready, be ready, be ready, be ready – that's all I've been taught. It helps because I can trust that great front line. As long as they trust me to make my reads, then no matter who goes in there, we can do our job. It's time to step up." —

Storylines

• East starting quarterback Ben Ford is taken off of the field with a potentially season-ending injury in the third quarter of the Leopards' 64-13 win over Maple Mountain.

• Ford finishes with 57 yards and two touchdowns through the air with another 79 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

• Junior quarterback Nic Harris could be making his first start next week in the 4A state title game.