ZANE TAYLOR, Grand: When the 2A state title was up for grabs last weekend, this senior imposed his will on the game and in the process helped the Red Devils capture their first state championship in school history.
The future University of Utah lineman stormed through the line of scrimmage in the final two minutes and blocked a punt that ultimately set up Grand's game-winning touchdown.
"I'm going to really miss him," said Grand coach Dennis Wells.
Taylor, who was a Deseret Morning News first-team all-stater last year, has been a starter at Grand the past three years. His sophomore and junior years, the teams combined to win just five games. Taylor said he was confident success would eventually come.
TRUSTINE MENDOZA, Cottonwood: It's hard to quantify just what this player means to her team.
"As a coach, you know your first contact is going to be a good one, and that you can run your offense," said Cottonwood volleyball coach Bob Berrett of the Colts' libero. "Because of her we're able to force hitters to change what they want to do."
Mendoza, an honor student better known as Tini, helped the Colts to a second-place finish in the 4A state tournament last weekend. The junior moved from setter to libero this summer to better help her team.
"She's a team leader on the court. She's very vocal, very supportive and very positive. . . . Her ability to get balls up allows us to focus more on the block because we know there is someone back there to pick up anything else," said Berrett.
To nominate a prep of the week, contact Deseret Morning News prep editor James Edward at jedward@desnews.com.