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The Lone Peak football team fell just short in its effort to defeat heavily favored Bingham for the 5A title Friday, but it certainly wasn't because of a lack of defensive effort.

After giving up 42 points to the Miners in a rout earlier in the year, the Knights held Bingham out of the red zone the entire first half. The decisive 10 points were scored after interceptions returned inside Lone Peak territory late in the contest.

Ultimately, the game turned on just a few plays. The huge defensive shift from the first meeting gave the Knights an opportunity to win.

"That's a tribute to my defensive coaches," said Lone Peak coach Mike Mower. "Every game, I've been amazed at their preparation and game plans."

He added that his coaches are not just great with the kids, but they really know the game.

"Our guys got better every week," Mower said. "What more can you ask for than that?

"I thought our defense was outstanding tonight, especially considering the caliber of the team we were playing," he added. "They kept us in it. In the first half especially, I thought they controlled the game."

In the end, Lone Peak limited Bingham to 267 total offensive yards and allowed the Miners to convert only four of nine third downs.

Mower said it was a matchup between two really good, physical teams.

"Our players went toe-to-toe with them," he said. "Not many teams have been able to do that this year.

"Our kids gave it all they had," Mower added. "It's been a great season, and this game could have gone either way. It's tough to be on the short end, but I'm enormously proud of the kids for all they accomplished this year and how they played tonight."

He said his coaches love the kids, the players love one another, and all of them love football.

"They know who they are," Mower said. "We didn't quite get it done today, but they're still champions in my mind." —

Storylines

R The Lone Peak defense holds Bingham scoreless until there are 30 seconds left in the first half.

• The Miners averaged 45 yards per game entering this contest and scored 42 on the Knights earlier in the season, but are held to 17 in the title game.

• Bingham manages just 267 total offensive yards and converts only four of nine third downs.