Duchesne had an easy time when they met and beat Monticello 38-6 in October at Duchesne, but the Eagles knew the Buckaroos would be ready for the return match at the 1-A semifinals at Snow College, Saturday. The Eagles were ready, too as they toppled Monticello 22-12 to advance to the 1-A title game Saturday against Rich at 2 p.m. at Alta High School. The Rebels defeated Altamont, 35-7 for a state championship game visit.

The Eagles needed a good start to take charge in the game vs. Monticello, and Duchesne's wish came true. They grabbed a 15-0 lead and were never behind even though the Buckaroos closed the gap to three at 15-12 early in the third quarter.

Duchesne threw an interception at the Monticello 1-yard line, but the Eagle defensive line kept the Bucks from getting a first down and then the ball was snapped over the punter's head for a safety that gave DHS a 2-0 lead early in the second quarter. Both teams played a scoreless first quarter.

The safety gave Duchesne the spark the team needed and Devan Jones ignited the offense with a 36-yard pass catch that was fired by quarterback Shad Thomas for a touchdown and an 8-0 edge.

“We pounded the ball on the ground once again. Jones ran a good route and Thomas made a good pass,” stated Duchesne football coach Billy Hoopes.

Duchesne gunned down Monticello's defense with Macoy Young snaring a 30-yard aerial from Thomas at the 1-yard line. Thomas ran the ball in for the touchdown and Braiden Despain's extra-point kick gave DHS a 15-0 edge at the half. Thomas completed 5-of-7 passes in the game.

“We needed an early lead and it was crucial as Monticello rallied back. We had a fumble and interception that hurt us,” said Hoopes. Duchesne was able to make some big plays when they needed them.

Monticello had a big kickoff return that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Devin Wright. Wright then added his second TD on a 27-yard interception return in the third quarter. Monticello failed on an extra-point kick and a two-point conversion.

The Buckaroos were driving for a shot at the go-ahead touchdown, but Thomas intercepted a pass at Duchesne's 5-yard line. Thomas netted his second interception a few minutes later to stop another Monticello drive.

Sophomore Despain scored Duchesne's final touchdown on a 3-yard dash late in the third quarter for a 22-12 edge. DHS' regular running back, Travis Potter missed some action due to an injury.

“Despain has been ready all year and he played really well. He had some big gains to set up his TD score,” stated Coach Hoopes. Despain also hit 2-of-2 extra-point kicks.

The last time Duchesne met Rich they lost 35-8 in Duchesne on Oct. 9. Now the 9-2 Eagles will face off against the 10-0 Rebels for all the marbles. Rich has also defeated Altamont, twice; Mountain View, Wyo.; Green River, Wyo.; West Side, Idaho; Monticello, Milford, Whitehorse, Duchesne and Layton Christian. Duchesne has defeated West Wendover, North Summit, Monticello, Monument Valley, twice; Altamont, Carbon, Whitehorse and Layton Christian. Only Eagle losses have been to South Summit (will play San Juan this week for the 2-A title) and Rich.

“We will have to play our best game of the year to beat them,” commented Coach Hoopes. “There's a reason they are undefeated. They are a great team and they deserve to be the favorites.”