CHAD SMITH, Lehi: There was a reason why this talented senior running back rushed for 2,090 yards and 22 touchdowns for the Pioneers.
"He has great work ethic," Pioneer coach Steve Clements said of the Region 10 MVP.
He rushed for more than 200 yards a game at least twice and rushed for five touchdowns in one game — a 66-21 nonregion victory over Tooele. Also in that game he ran for 205 yards.
He, along with quarterback Sam Trulock, who threw for more than 2,000 yards, are the first duo to rush and throw for 2,000 yards in Utah state high school football history.
Despite rushing for just over 50 yards, the Pioneers beat the Delta Rabbits, 30-25, for the 3A state championship — the Pioneers' first championship since 1980.
KALI TAYLOR, Wayne: She learned to play hoops when she was just five years old in games with her older brothers and sisters. And in the Taylor family, there were enough children for two complete teams.
Having all of those mentors might be the reason the youngest of 10 children is so easy to teach.
"She's extremely coachable," coach Heidi Woolsey said. "She'll play about any position you ask her to. She's a great leader. All the kids look to her."
Some might think Taylor, a 4.0 student, has learned enough as she often scores around 30 points. Last week, she came within five points of a state record when she put up 42 points in a game against the larger South Sevier.
Taylor is thinking of attending Snow, Dixie or CEU and plans on playing basketball in college. Of all the activities she does, it is her favorite.