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There is no doubt that what Desert Hills did to win the 3AA football championship in 2013 has been mentioned more than once this week.

It should give Pine View hope as the Panthers meet cross-town St. George rival Desert Hills on Friday at 11 a.m. at Rice-Eccles Stadium, and will serve as a cautionary tale for the Thunder.

Back then, Desert Hills lost to both Dixie and Pine View in the regular season, only to come back to defeat the Flyers and Panthers in the semifinals and finals of the state tournament.

This season, Pine View lost 38-7 to Dixie and 36-19 to Desert Hills in the regular season, but came back to upset top-ranked Dixie 35-14 last week in the 3AA semifinals.

Now it's time for Desert Hills again.

Will history repeat?

"That was three years ago," said Pine View coach Ray Hosner. "They have a great football team. But if karma is meant to be, I will take it."

Desert Hills coach Carl Franke has also noticed the similarity between this season and 2013.

"Pine View replaced where we were," he said. "They had their revenge game against Dixie last week and now have their revenge game against us. I am sure they are talking about that."

And Franke knows the challenge of beating a region rival twice in one season.

"It's hard to beat a Region 9 team once in the regular season," he said. "We know each other so well. Beating a team twice is a hard task. The pressure is on the team that won previously during the year."

Hosner said that while Pine View continues to throw the ball, as it has always done, it also has become more physical as the season has progressed.

"They are expecting snow Thursday and cold Friday, so it's probably not going to be the most optimal environment to throw the ball," he said.

Pine View relies on the running and pass-catching abilities of junior Jacob Mpungi and the passing of Ryan Javines.

The Sewell family plays a big role in Desert Hills attack, with Nephi Sewell an offensive and defensive threat, and Penei and Bundy Sewell anchoring strong lines on both sides of the ball. Defender Ryan Hoppie is also enjoying a big season.

Desert Hills will throw the ball some, but Franke prefers to keep things on the ground.

The two teams and their fans will be making the 300-mile trip to Salt Lake for the title game, with Pine View hoping for revenge and Desert Hills looking for a tough second win against a league opponent.

Twitter: @tribtomwharton —

Desert Hills vs. Pine View

P Class 3AA Championship, at Rice- Eccles Stadium

• Friday, 11 a.m.