by Dana Greene

Well, after doing so well in 1-A and 2-A, I thought I'd update my picks for this Friday's championship games. By the way, congrats to Duchesne and San Juan. Way to make me look bad, guys.

5-A: Bingham vs Alta

Well, since the Miners are the only one of my original picks still alive, I have to stick with them. I was at their season opening win over the Hawks. I was impressed then, and I'm even more impressed now. There just isn't a defensive line in the state that can match up with Bingham's massive offensive lineman. Doug Fiefa, Sam Langi and Tyson Hill have been running through holes the size of canyons all season long, and although Alta's defense is formidable, I just don't see them slowing down the three horsemen of Bingham, as the Miners win their first state title in 60 years. Bingham 28, Alta 10.

4-A: Highland vs Timpview

Of all the teams I've seen this year, I've never witnessed a defense more suffocating than Timpview's. Three touchdowns in the last eight games? Is that even possible? Just ask East how good the Timpview D is. The Leopards had been averaging 41 points over their last seven games, but were held to one lousy touchdown in the semifinals. Timpview's offense isn't going to wow anybody, but the defense is good enough to win a championship. I like Highland's ground game, and Sean Swenson to Bradon Brown is one of the most deadly combinations in the state. But they'll get shut down by the Thunderbirds. Timpview 17, Highland 7.

3-A: Snow Canyon vs Bear River

I know back on September 15th, everybody in the state thought Bear River was gonna make it to the 3-A title game. After all, the Bears were 1-4...it was obvious! It's hard to pick against a team that's won 8 straight, but just like that underrated TV show from the 70's...Eight is Enough. No running back in the state has been hotter than Snow Canyon's Adam Timo. Just a sophomore, Timo started the season as the JV quarterback. But over the last three post-season contests, Timo has rushed for almost 600 yards and 7 touchdowns. Bear River has the tradition, winning two of the last three 3-A titles, but I'm going with the Warriors in a close one. Snow Canyon 27, Bear River 24.