The Miners football squad made light work of regional foe Jordan Friday night, defeating them 37-7 on the road.
Park City jumped on Jordan throughout the game, scoring 7 in the first quarter, 14 in the second and 9 in the third. Each team scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Running back Eli Warner was back and dominated, recording three of the team’s five touchdowns. Owen Campbell and Bash Bodily had the Miners’ other two touchdowns, including a “philly-special” trick play from Campbell to Bodily, the quarterback.
Head coach Josh Montzingo said he had wanted his team to play to their potential and remain healthy. The playoffs are slated to begin in three weeks.
“It’s always good to get a region win and one step closer to the playoffs,” said Montzingo. “We’ll see what the RPI (computer rating system) does or doesn’t do, but I was proud of the guys battling, getting on the road and getting a good win.”
Montzingo has his team’s playoff fate somewhat in the hands of the RPI system, which will determine their playoff seeding, whether or not they get a first-round bye and homefield advantage. Both games left on the Miners’ schedule are chances to boost their playoff resume.
“Great to have Eli back,” added Montzingo. “A little bit of rust there, but he definitely shook some of that off and got in the end zone a few times. … They loaded up to take away the run, so we definitely threw it in the air a lot more than usual, and Bash and our receivers all answered that call. I was really proud of the entire unit. They all did a great job.”
Montzingo said the Campbell to Bodily trick play is something they try to have ready every week should they need. He said they’re often a bit hit-or-miss, which is why fans don’t see them all too often.
Montzingo said he loved the movement and tackling he saw from his defense Friday night. That unit has pitched three shutouts and two one-touchdown games this season.
Next up for the Miners is a short week, with a senior night game Thursday against Tooele at 7 p.m. Montzingo said Tooele always comes in physical, well-coached and sporting a wing T offense, which involves a ton of running and deception. The Miners have begun working to stifle that run-heavy offense.
Montzingo will look to get all of his seniors in the game at some point while still taking care of business. The team is still a half-game behind Stansbury in the regional standings.
“A couple of teams that we normally expect to have a little better seasons just haven’t come through for us,” said Montzingo on RPI. “But, at the end of the day, if you want to win a championship, you’ve got to go win every game that presents itself, and that’s all we’re going to do.”
The Miners will close their regular season out next Wednesday at 5A foe Springville. The playoff brackets will be released days later on Oct. 19.