Prep football: Weber-Bonneville highlights Week 3; previews and predictions in Northern Utah
-
- Weber’s Konrad Kerr (25) gives chase to Bonneville’s Tyrone Bizzard in a prep football game Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, at Weber High School in Pleasant View.
-
- Ben Lomond’s Israel Arocha catches a pass during warmups before a football game against Providence Hall on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, in Ogden.
The third week of the prep football season brings 16 games this week, including two that see long-time foes face off. Here’s a look at each game, plus predictions.
Last week’s prediction record: 8-4
Season prediction record: 20-9
WEBER at BONNEVILLE, Game of the Week
If two lopsided losses have done one thing for Weber (0-2), it’s gotten the Warriors ready for a big game at Bonneville (2-0). Six different Weber receivers caught a pass last week after nine caught one in the first game, so quarterback Aidan Carter can spread the ball around well.
The young Lakers have won both their games on the road and face a step up in class with the Warriors visiting, but surely won’t see themselves lose by 33 points like last year. Quarterback Jaxon Johnson has accounted for six of the team’s seven offensive touchdowns, according to MaxPreps.
Weber is a bit more battle-tested so far and looks the favorite in a close game.
Prediction: Weber
CLEARFIELD at ROY
Roy (1-1) showed a bit of what it’s capable of last week against Fremont by gaining 472 yards of total offense.
Six different running backs carried the ball last week — Preston Martinez led with 10 rushes and 76 yards — and Roy appears to have a back for each situation.
Clearfield (0-2) had a bit better of a time last week compared to the season opener, but the Royals should win this one.
Prediction: Roy
CARBON at OGDEN
Carbon is 2-0 against Hillcrest and Grand, two programs that, along with Carbon, are struggling for numbers.
It’s a good chance for Ogden (0-1) to get on the board after a season-opening loss and a bye week. Two weeks ago, Braxten Shobe had three tackles for loss, Alberto Moreno had two sacks and Adam Wilson had two interceptions.
Prediction: Ogden
EVANSTON (WY) at BEN LOMOND
Ben Lomond (1-1) has two games under its belt while Evanston has zero. In this same situation last year, Evanston won 14-13 in Ogden.
Jake East has four tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in two games.
Though the Scots are already dealing with injuries and lineup changes, they’re in a bit better of a spot than the Devils and certainly appear to be better off at this point than they were last year.
Prediction: Ben Lomond
FREMONT at EAST
Fremont (0-2) is improving offensively but has given up 86 points on defense so far and faces a run-heavy, powerhouse option team in East (0-2).
Linebackers Christian Blanch (29 tackles) and Brant Koford (23 tackles) give the Silverwolves a chance on defense.
Prediction: East
FARMINGTON at MAPLE MOUNTAIN
Farmington has held its two opponents to 85 yards rushing on 57 carries (1.49 yards per carry).
Linebacker Luke Hansen is coming off a 17-tackle game (two for loss) and showed why Idaho State and Utah Tech have offered him scholarships.
Maple Mountain (1-1) averages 2 yards per carry on offense and has trouble protecting its quarterback.
Prediction: Farmington
LAYTON vs. LEWISTON (ID)
(Game played at 2 p.m. in Rexburg, Idaho)
It’s early, but Layton (2-0) looks like one of the best two teams in Region 1. Running back Braxton Martin has a pair of 100-yard rushing games under his belt.
The Lancers head to Madison High in Rexburg, Idaho, for the Rocky Mountain Rumble to take on Lewiston, a team that’s highly thought of in Idaho’s 5A (largest) classification.
On paper, the Lewiston Bengals (0-0) are big and athletic, just like Layton. This is the Lancers’ first out-of-state opponent since 1980. One team has two games under its belt and one team doesn’t.
Prediction: Layton
WESTLAKE at SYRACUSE
Turnovers have hurt both Syracuse (0-2) and Westlake’s (1-1) offenses. Speaking of turnovers, Syracuse’s Daxton Faddis has two interceptions and a fumble recovery already.
Right now, the Titans are off-center on both offense and defense. The Thunder is less so. This looks like a third one-possession game for Syracuse in as many weeks.
Prediction: Westlake
MURRAY at NORTHRIDGE
Someone’s getting its first win this week in this game and it’s looking like Northridge, which made a big leap between its first and second games.
Three Knights receivers — Zach Smith, Malu Lumpkins and Jaxon Fresques — have 100 or more receiving yards already.
Prediction: Northridge
GRANGER at DAVIS
Davis is 8-0 against Granger since GHS started playing football in 1958. There’s a fair chance the Lancers get their first win in the series on Friday even though the computers favor Davis (0-2).
The Darts have been outscored 82-0 to start the year and face yet another team that’s bigger in the trenches than them.
Prediction: Granger
MOUNTAIN CREST at BOX ELDER
Box Elder’s a step up in class for Mountain Crest (2-0) and the Bees will likely be slightly irritated with last week’s overtime loss. Look for them to get back in the win column, but in a close game.
Running back Dax Sumko has 44 carries for 369 yards and five scores already for Box Elder’s (1-1) balanced and high-scoring offense.
Prediction: Box Elder
BEAR RIVER at HIGHLAND
Bear River (1-1) made a huge leap last week with a solid game against Clearfield, but the Rams are a bit bigger all around and have faced a tougher schedule.
Highland’s (0-2) defense is allowing 15 points per game (14 points have been scored against offense and special teams).
Prediction: Highland
SPRINGVILLE at BOUNTIFUL
Bountiful (1-1) is struggling on offense but solid on defense. Springville (2-0) looks the part of a preseason state-title contender.
The Redhawks have to keep this one low-scoring at this point in the season and they certainly can, but the Red Devils will be Bountiful’s toughest game to date.
Prediction: Springville
COPPER HILLS at VIEWMONT
Viewmont (2-0) plays a little tougher opponent this week but should win a close game.
Quarterback Luke Jacobs has accounted for nine touchdowns and Copper Hills (1-1) hasn’t seen anyone like him yet.
Prediction: Viewmont
LAYTON CHRISTIAN at NORTH SUMMIT
Injuries, absences and lineup changes aside, Layton Christian is (1-1) well-positioned to win this one.
Seven of the Eagles’ remaining eight games are on the road and the trip to Coalville will be one of LCA’s shortest road trips.
Prediction: Layton Christian
MORGAN vs. POCATELLO (ID)
(Game played at 2 p.m. Saturday in Rexburg, Idaho)
Morgan (2-0) is the type of big, physical, solid and balanced team that can win this game. Gavin Turner had six catches for 123 yards and three touchdowns last week, his second 100-yard game to start the year.
Pocatello is regarded as one of the top 4A teams in Idaho, but has a lot of inexperience coming back despite some key returners, according to Idaho media reports.
Prediction: Morgan
Connect with reporter Patrick Carr via email at pcarr@standard.net, Twitter @patrickcarr_ and Instagram @standardexaminersports.