In football, man defenses can be an excellent tool. They can help slow down the opposition’s running game, close windows in their passing game and stymie their best players. In order to execute man defenses successfully, however, you often need to have superior talent than the offense.
Salem Hills, a man defense-heavy team, found out Friday just how talented the Miners football team’s players are. Despite Park City not fancying themselves a significantly explosive offense, they went for three lengthy touchdowns en route to a 30-17 win. The win is the Miners’ second-straight in regional play, and they got to play the role of spoilers to Salem Hills’ homecoming festivities.
Kicker Tanner Pidwell knocked three field goals between the goalposts, from 15, 18 and 31 yards to help guide Park City to victory. The Miners pushed their second-half lead to 23-3, before head coach Josh Montzingo decided to get his backups some reps, especially on defense. Salem Hills didn’t break through Park City’s bend-but-don’t-break zone defenses until the fourth quarter.
“It feels great,” Montzingo said about the win. “In region, (wins) feel pretty darn good and give us some momentum toward the rest of the tough schedule we have left.”
The Miners are rounding into form after their early-season, non-regional gauntlet of a schedule saw them take three losses against some of Utah’s best. Where Park City may have learned the most is mentally — they were able to handle the raucous Salem Hills homecoming atmosphere with relative ease.
This week, the crazed fans will be on their side as the Miners take on two-time Region 8 defending champ Provo. The dual could eventually decide the fate of the region, with both teams 2-0 in regional play.
“It feels like that challenge that we put ourselves through for five weeks is paying off,” Montzingo said. “We know what it’s like to play against tough opponents, be in tough environments and make the plays when we need to make them, even in pressure situations.”
Park City has been watching film on Provo since Saturday. They’ll look to mitigate the impacts of quarterback Gehrig Orchard and running back Malik Filimoe’atu.
Provo has similarly played Morgan tough and dominated Salem Hills this season. The Miners know it will be no easy task to become the top dogs of Region 8.
“We’re lucky we get to have them at home,” Montzingo said. “We’re excited for that. But, they’re big and strong. … They’re going to be able to challenge us every step of the way, on both sides of the ball.”
The Miners will continue to use a balanced attack on offense, featuring both quarterbacks in Cole Morgan and Josh Hofer, Eli Warner and receiver Brogan Price. On defense, they’ll look to make Provo snap the ball continuously and make plays.
“It’s going to be one of those hard-fought games, and we’re going to have to bring our very best,” Montzingo said. “We’re excited for it. We can’t wait to turn the lights on Dozier and get after it and have some fun.”