KAYSVILLE -- After playing near flawless football for the first two months of the season, the Davis Darts were defeated by the Fremont Silver Wolves, who seem to have found the perfect blue print. Get a big lead, and win with special teams.
Now Northridge will try to follow that model for success, and win the No. 2 seed in Region 1 in the process. The two play this Friday at Davis.
"The kids know what the big picture is. They are fully aware of what this means," Bishop said. "I want us to rebound. If we can do that, everything else will take care of itself."
Fremont led 16-0 before Davis had the ball three times -- scoring on a kick return, safety and blocking two kicks.
The way Davis lost was what has stuck in the craw of coach Ryan Bishop, because they pride themselves on the play of their special teams.
Kicker Pete Caldwell has been great all season, and the Darts had not allowed a kick or punt to be returned for a score until Friday night.
It's hard to say more emphasis has been placed on the special teams this week, because Davis already gives considerable attention to that phase of the game, but the Darts hope to rectify some of their mistakes from a week ago.
Northridge has lost to Viewmont and Davis, and a win -- coupled with a Viking win over Layton -- would create a three-team log jam for second place.
Davis hopes to make it easy on themselves by getting back to basics with their power running game. Fullback Kyle Burk was a non-factor in the game against Fremont because of the deficit and ended the game with only three carries.
The offense will have to hold onto the ball, running minutes off the clock, if they are to keep one of the best offenses in Region 1 off the field.
The Knights have a balanced at-tack, with the passing of Sean Acord and the running of Nate Ellis.
Davis defensive ends Cam Turnbow and Austin Taylor will have to generate enough pressure to knock Acord off his game.
The Bountiful Braves will most likely secure the No. 3 seed in Region 5 with a win on the road against Roy Friday.
Summarize the Braves' season like this -- they beat the teams they're supposed to, as well as pulling an upset on the road at Mountain Crest.
Following that formula, the Braves should be able to take down an improved Roy team. Bountiful has never lost to the Royals.
Bountiful has been plagued by injuries to some of their most important players. Defensive tackle Curry Solipo has been out with an injured ankle, Tyler Johnson broke his leg, and Louie Hamilton continues to battle a variety of nagging injuries.
The goal for Friday night is two-fold: win the game, and keep everyone healthy for the playoffs.
Viewmont got back on track last week by pummeling Weber, and they'll need to beat Layton at home Friday to stay in the hunt for the No. 2 seed in Region 1.
The Vikings defense has been impenetrable and played with a chip on their shoulder last week.
That type of attitude will lead them to victory on the final week of the season.
bdevoe@davisclipper.com
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