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DRAPER — Juan Diego proved to be a dark horse candidate for the 3A state championship with its first round shutout win against Carbon on Friday.
If the Soaring Eagles can get Hayden Mezenen going with completions next week against Richfield, Juan Diego may have a chance at a title shot.
Juan Diego opened up the night with a 43-yard kickoff return, and then a quick drive down the field resulted in Roman Rossano collecting a big pickup to set the team up at the Dino's 23-yard line.
Rossano eventually got the handoff again to run it in from 6-yards out for the 7-0 early lead for the Soaring Eagles.
Carbon got something going on a long drive where they had a successful fourth down conversation; but on their next fourth down, the team didn't risk it. Carbon missed the field goal attempt, however to keep points off the board.
Rossano, once again, had an even better kick return and got to the Dinos' 30-yard line. Corbin Buckley then ran it in from 26-yards out for a 17-point advantage to start the second quarter.
With three seconds left in the first half, Mezenen found Braylen Fail in the end zone for the 17-yard score to take a 24-0 lead into the halftime break.
Juan Diego tried to settle for a field goal on their first drive of the second half, but the kick was blocked and caught by Logan Anderson, who ran it back 95 yards for a touchdown. The play was called back, however, because of a penalty.
Alek Antonio finished the scoring on the night with a 3-yard run in the end zone for the only score of the second half.
Juan Diego will travel to Richfield next week for a quarterfinal matchup.
