ST. GEORGE – The Dixie Flyers (3-0) travel less then five minuets away to take on the Pine View Panthers (2-1) in the biggest rivalry game in Southern Utah at 7 p.m. The two teams are first and second in yards gained and first and third in points per game. The Flyers lead the Region in points per game with 49.3 and are second in yards per game. The Panthers average a region-leading 464 yards per game and third in points per game at 35.7. After giving up 35 points in week one, the Panther defense has not allowed more then 16 points since. Dixie also gave up 35 points in week one but has only allowed a total of 10 points since. Excited yet?
The Flyer offense is led by quarterback Blake Barney who leads the Region in completions – 42 yards – 773, more than double what the second best quarterback has thrown for yards per game – 257.7, and touchdowns – 9. The nine touchdown passes is 5th best in the state. Barney’s favorite target is recover Tadd Challis. Challis has the second most receiving yards in the state with 440. Challis has reeled in five touchdown catches as well. Dixie got a huge boost from running back Justin Cummings who came back after a week two injury to rush for two touchdowns last week bring his season total to five.
Pine View looks to keep its dominance over Dixie. The Panthers have won nine of the last ten meetings including a 42-14 blowout last season. The Panthers offense is led by running back Prentiss Miller. Miller, the leading rusher in Region 9, has scored three rushing touchdowns this season but is averaging an outstanding 144.4 yards per game. Starting quarterback Braxton Peterson is rushing for 100 plus yards per game and throwing for just under 80 yards per game. The long ball quarterback freshman Cody Wilstead is picking defenses apart throwing for 123 yards per game.
Don’t expect much defense tonight as the two highly talented offenses will go head to head. In this heated rivalry, don’t be surprised if the team with the ball last wins the game.
Pat’s Pick – Dixie in the upset pick of the week
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