Warrior fans along the Snow Canyon parkway are noticing a change in the football skyline. Gone is the spread offense that proved to be less than accomodating under two seasons with Rick Secrist as coach. Back is Jay Graff, who guided this SC team in 2002-04. Also back are the same total of wins already this year as the Warriors experienced last year.

A more traditional type of offense, some refer to as a “pistol” offense, where the QB is not quite back as far as he would normally be in the shot gun formation is what can be expected from SC. The Warriors do not have some of the size that most 4A teams possess, but they have shown they can put points on the board, averaging 23 ppg.

For Hurricane to knock off the Warriors, they will need to continue to utilize the rushing game. In four games, it has shown to be very effective, averaging 5.3 yards per carry on the ground. Unlike past seasons, defenses can not key on just one Tiger out of the backfield as Hurricane has four quality backs that have carried the load and have had great success.  Hurricane is averaging just under 30 ppg.

Two keys will prove to be large for both schools. First, Hurricane has had miserable first quarters so far this season. Out of the 82 points Hurricane has given up, 37 have come in the first period.  Opponents have out rushed the Tigers nearly 2 to 1 in that time as well.  One adjustment the Tigers will make this week is welcoming Micah Anderson back into the starting lineup. Anderson, a linebacker, has yet to play this season due to nagging injuries and Coach Chris Homer plans to get him to help shore up the defense for the Tigers.

The second key will be the SC secondary. This could be an area Hurricane exploits to its fullest with very athletic players at wide receiver and coming out of the backfield. This could be the game QB Tim Long has been looking forward to in establishing the passing attack.

Hurricane has dominated all opponents, including 5A Skyline, in the second half. They have given up just 12 points while scoring 38 in the final two quarters.

Having the home field is also going to prove valuable for the Tigers, who have already played three games with the white jerseys. The Tiger Army will be out in full force and a rowdy crowd will certainly help the Tigers.