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The season will officially end for the smaller classifications on Saturday in Cedar City, with three championship games scheduled at Eccles Coliseum on the campus of Southern Utah University.
The overriding theme is "redemption."
Juan Diego, after starting 1-3, will look to defend its Class 3A title against Delta. The Rabbits are two years removed from a one-win campaign, and haven't won a state championship since 2001. Kick is scheduled for 4 p.m.
Delta, which is vying for its first title since 2001, lost to the Soaring Eagle in the quarterfinals of the 2015 postseason, 31-6.
In the 2A ranks, South Summit and Beaver meet at 11 a.m., in a rematch of the 2015 state championship game, where the Beavers stunned the heavily-favored Wildcats. The loss led to a wide range of changes for the Kamas-based powerhouse — specifically, ditching its vaunted triple-option scheme and becoming one of the most lethal aerial attacks in the state.
Wildcats quarterback Nic Beasley, who admitted he played one of his worst games of his career against the Beavers last season, has thrown for 2,201 yards and 31 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. However, in its semifinal win against Summit Academy, Beaver illustrated the depth of its secondary, recording four interceptions.
Finally, in the 1A classification, both Kanab and Duchesne are attempting to erase several years of disappointment after falling short of the hardware last season. The Cowboys ended the Eagles' 2015 season in the semifinals, in upset fashion, before losing by three points against Diamond Ranch in the state championship. Kanab won the first meeting between the two this year in Week 4, 13-0. Kick is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
Twitter: @trevorphibbs —
Championship Saturday
At Eccles Coliseum, Cedar City
Class 3A
• Delta (9-3) vs. Juan Diego (7-4), 4 p.m.
Class 2A
• Beaver (10-1) vs. South Summit (10-1), 11 a.m.
Class 1A
• Kanab (10-1) vs. Duchesne (10-1), 1:30 p.m.