Whenever the American Fork Cavemen and the Highland Rams meet on the football field, fans are treated to some of the best smash-mouth football of the season.
The two teams have a history of close and thrilling games, as the squads always seem to be evenly matched in big and strong athletes. Friday's game at Highland has all the makings of another thriller.
"They're just a bunch of very tough kids," American Fork coach Davis Knight said of the Rams.
Normally, the Cavemen are expecting a Highland team that likes to run the ball down their throats with a powerful veer offense. This year, however, the Rams are using a much-more balanced attack.
With star fullback Liam McNally hobbled with an injury, the Rams are throwing the ball more — and doing it quite effectively. Quarterback Critter Nielson had 160 yards passing last week and most of that went to receiver Max Wood. Back Bridger Walzer also did an excellent job of filling in for McNally by rushing for nearly 100 yards.
"They run the ball with authority, but they're also throwing the ball very well," Knight said.
American Fork has plenty of offensive firepower of its own, as the Cavemen proved in racking up more than 400 yards of total offense last week. But Highland is much bigger and stronger up front than Provo, so the yards will be much tougher to come by this week.
The Cavemen will again rely on a committee of ball carriers to keep Highland off-balance, and Taylor Jones and Jake Murphy are looking for a few more big passing plays.
But the key to winning this game, Knight said, is holding the Rams to some three-and-out possessions and forcing a few turnovers.
"I think we have to get on the board early and we have to take them out of their rhythm so they can't have those 60-yard drives that take up long periods of time," he said.
Knight says this is not a make-it-or-break-it game, but will be a good indication of how well the Cavemen are progressing. With such a long preseason and with so many tough games on the slate, however, the players can't lose faith if they struggle.
"You can't approach every game right now like it's a state championship. You need to look at it like we're just trying to grow," Knight said.
Rayburn's pick: American Fork
LEHI AT PROVO: Even though the Pioneers dropped another game, they did some good things last week. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, didn't do much good at all. But, they'll get their running game in tune this week.
Rayburn's pick: Provo
LONE PEAK AT VIEWMONT: The Vikings rolled over Orem but won't find the going so easy against the Knights. Still, Lone Peak is doing a lot of experimenting with positions and with its offense.
Rayburn's pick: Viewmont
TIMPVIEW AT SPANISH FORK: The Dons are trying to get some experience in a hurry against some top teams. Instead, they're going to get beat up a little. The Thunderbirds will start the year 2-0 in the shutout department.
Rayburn's pick: Timpview
OREM AT SNOW CANYON: The Tigers didn't look smooth on offense last week — and surprisingly a little soft on defense. Those same characteristics won't get it done against a Snow Canyon team loaded with weapons.
Rayburn's pick: Snow Canyon
PAYSON AT OLYMPUS: The Lions almost won last week against a 5A team and kept it close without a huge game from powerback Leroy Unga. He's ready for a big game this week, and the Titans won't know what hit them.
Rayburn's pick: Payson
TIMPANOGOS AT HUNTER: The Timberwolves seem to lose games they should win. This week, they'll win a game they should lose. Hunter will be surprised at how explosive Taylor Lyons and Christian Stewart can be.
Rayburn's pick: Timpanogos
PLEASANT GROVE AT SPRINGVILLE: The Vikings struggled on offense last week and the Red Devils struggled on defense. That should mean Pleasant Grove will score some points this week and Springville will give up too many.
Rayburn's pick: Pleasant Grove
WEST JORDAN AT MOUNTAIN VIEW: The Jaguars found little resistance at Lehi and won't find much more at Mountain View. The Bruins will score a few times, but they'll allow even more points.
Rayburn's pick: West Jordan
ALTAMONT AT AMERICAN LEADERSHIP: The Eagles lost last week because of a missed extra point. They can miss two or three this week and it still won't matter.
Rayburn's pick: ALA
Rayburn's record: Last week, 7-4.
E-mail: jimr@desnews.com