Skyline can clinch an undefeated Region 10 football title Wednesday, Oct. 14, when the Eagles host Murray at 7 p.m.
The Eagles (6-3 overall, 5-0 in region) enter as 28-point favorites, according to Noland Parry's Power Guide in the Deseret News. A win would cap a perfect region run for first-year coach Brandon Matich's squad in the final regular-season Region 10 game for both teams.
Skyline earned its shot with a 37-23 win over Highland on Thursday, Oct. 8. Will Finau's 67-yard interception return broke a 23-23 tie with 4:02 left, and Jonah Mailei ran for two touchdowns, including a 56-yard score, KSL reported. After that win, Matich told the Deseret News: "Skyline has had a hard time getting over this Highland hump, and they were able to do it tonight."
Murray (7-2, 4-1 in region) won its last two games, including a 62-17 rout of Juan Diego on Oct. 8 in which quarterback Dru Reuss threw four touchdown passes. The Spartans' only region loss came 34-29 at Highland on Sept. 25.
Olympus looks to extend streak
Across town, Olympus (5-4, 3-1 in 5A Region 6) hosts region leader Bountiful (6-2) at 7 p.m. The Titans are 10.5-point underdogs but ride a three-game winning streak. Easton Zito ran for two touchdowns in a 27-6 win over Woods Cross on Oct. 8.
First-year coach Casey Evans, an Olympus alum and former three-time All-Mountain West Conference selection at Utah, has the Titans in third place in Region 6. Bountiful shut out Brighton 38-0 on Oct. 8, scoring 28 points in the second quarter.
Brighton seeks to avoid worst season since 1969
Brighton (1-8, 0-4) hosts Alta (6-3, 3-1) at Freestone Field at 7 p.m. The Bengals are 13-point underdogs and have lost eight straight since a 34-0 season-opening win over West Field on Aug. 14.
A loss would seal Brighton's worst season since 1969, according to a Yahoo Sports roundup. Two seasons ago, the Bengals went 11-2 and reached the 5A semifinals. First-year coach Josh Montzingo, who spent the previous decade building the Park City program, said in a September interview with the Cottonwood Heights Journal that his focus was long-term: "Personal player development is paramount."
All three games kick off at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14.
