WEST VALLEY CITY — For motivation to win their first playoff game against the Tri- City Diesel, the Utah Warriors needed to look no further than Emmett White.
White's offensive determination inspired the overall effort on both sides of the ball for Utah, even through a difficult third quarter. With the 59-42 win over the Diesel, Utah advanced in the NIFL playoffs and will now travel to Sioux Falls to face the Storm.
It became evident early on that the Warriors wanted to prove that they are better than a 6-8 record would suggest, not only to the Diesel but also to themselves.
"Every game now is on a week-by-week basis, so we need to play better than we have been." White said.
With 3:04 remaining in the second quarter, quarterback Doug Smith handed off to White on a routine sweep designed for three-four yards. But the result was anything but routine. Creating something from nothing, White backtracked across the length of the field and ran for a 35-yard touchdown with the help of Smith's block.
It was the longest run in franchise history, and arguably, the most important of the season.
"I told the guys if you block for me 100 percent then I can make my plays." White said.
White finished the first half with 59 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 14.8 yards per carry.
Smith finished the half with 106 yards passing with 12 completions on 17 attempts.
"We're a good team and we wanted to go out and prove it tonight." Smith said.
Combined with quick turnovers and stops on defense, the Utah offense ended the first half up 45-25. Momentum was on the side of the Warriors.
But in the arena game, a 20-point lead at the half means nothing.
Replacing the injured Alex Neist, Jeremy Martin started the second half for the Diesel and scored at will against the Warriors.
Warriors kicker Pete Garces missed three straight field goals and Tri-City found itself only six points behind Utah.
Re-enter Emmett White.
White rediscovered his initial intensity and, with the help of the defense, Utah re-emerged.
Jason Ah You, who was named player of the game for his defensive effort, pressured Martin and kept Tri-City out of the end zone long enough for Utah to regain its composure.
Ah You later said that in the huddle, the defense took it on itself to reverse the team's fortune.
As the offense began its drive with a rejuvenated crowd on its side, Utah was finished with its third-quarter hiccup.
Smith's scrambles and White's rushes kept the clock winding for Utah. The clock, unfortunately, has been one of Utah's bigger opponents all season.
"We really gained our momentum back. We came out a little lackadaisical after the half and if we continue on in the playoffs we can't do that." White said.
With 2:32 remaining, White scrambled into the end zone on a sweep and Utah closed the door.
White finished with 84 yards on the ground and three touchdowns, while Smith contributed 95 yards on open scramble opportunities.
"I think that we are peaking just at the right time." White said. "All that stuff that happened earlier in the season is just history."
E-mail: acole@desnews.com