Jack is back: Skidmore slices Pine View defense in 4A semifinals

SALT LAKE CITY — Jack is back.

Park City quarterback Jack Skidmore, who missed last week’s 14-10 win against Snow Canyon due to concussion protocol, was back in full force on Thursday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

In the Miners’ 48-21 blowout over Pine View in the 4A semifinals, Skidmore was masterful. The senior quarterback threw for 163 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns. With Skidmore back in the saddle, it was a night and day difference from last week’s quarterfinal game, where Skidmore had to watch from the bench. 

“I’m just grateful for another week. Last week was a tough win, we snuck it out 14-10, and I’m just grateful that my guys gave me another week. I’m so happy to be out here,” Skidmore said. 

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Aside from his stats, Skidmore’s provided senior leadership and made his presence felt on offense, from highlight plays to the minute details of running the Park City offense.  

“He made sure that we got the plays off, for the most part, in time, made sure everybody was calm and the right motion and checks were in place,” said Park City head coach Josh Montzingo. “When he was called upon to make a scramble because the play broke down, he made plays. It wasn’t just getting a couple yards, he took off and really made plays.”

“I’m just grateful for another week. Last week was a tough win, we snuck it out 14-10, and I’m just grateful that my guys gave me another week. I’m so happy to be out here.” — Park City quarterback Jack Skidmore

That he was able to do all of this after having to sit out a week speaks volumes about the type of player that Skidmore is.

“He’s just a great kid. He’s real focused, super intelligent young man. Works really hard, takes care of himself and did everything he needed in the time he had to prepare and get ready for himself as much as he could mentally while he healed up,” Montzingo said.

In a battle of 4A’s No. 1 offense (Park City) vs. its No. 1 defense (Pine View), the Miners’ offense came out victorious. Skidmore and the Park City offense carved up the Panthers’ vaunted defense — both through the air and through the ground — with Skidmore at the helm.

• Watch replay: Park City 48, Pine View 21

After Dylan Bauer scored the first two touchdowns for the Miners, Skidmore made his presence felt in the second quarter with a 73-yard run to the house. Skidmore found Andrew Pederson for his first touchdown pass of the contest, and in the third quarter, helped put the game away with a 22-yard touchdown run. He wasn’t done yet, as he finished his night with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Mark McCurdy.

“It’s a blast, I love it. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys on my team,” Skidmore said. 

With the win, Park City moves one step closer to the state championship that has eluded them as a program. With Skidmore back at the helm, the Miners will head into the championship game, where they will face the winner of the Dixie-Sky View game, which is played on Friday night.

“We’ve still got one more game left,” Skidmore said. “We’re not done.”