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With senior running back Payton Kelepolo wearing a Springville jersey, it's no wonder that the Red Devils feature a run-first offense.

The offensive effectiveness has flown under the radar as East's stable of running backs has grabbed most of the headlines, but the two programs do share a few similarities ahead of Friday's Class 4A state championship game — among them, being the last two undefeated teams in the classification.

"East is the best team in the state until someone proves otherwise," said Springville coach Willy Child. "They run an offense we don't see but once a year, and they're very good at it."

The Leopards scored more points than any team in Utah this season, winning most of their games in blowouts. By contrast, the Devils had a number of close games at the beginning of the season but still found ways to get the job done.

It's worth noting, however, that Springville has not scored less than 42 points in a contest in nearly two months. Child said Kelepolo is the starting point for that offensive output.

"What we like to do is run the ball first," Child said. "Having Payton be successful in that helps set up our play-action and passing game as well."

Kelepolo is the team's most prolific scorer this season with 21 touchdowns, but he's by no means the only one. Quarterback Jantsen Thorpe has eight rushing touchdowns, and five other backs have multiple rushing touchdowns.

East has eight rushers who have scored multiple touchdowns, but one area where the two squads differ is in the passing game. The Leopards have seven passing touchdowns this season, while Springville tallied 21.

Jantsen was a factor in 17 of those, with primary target Brennen Rymer accounting for 13 of the team's total. Six other receivers have also scored touchdowns.

"Payton's a tough kid who's physical and explosive," Child said. "When he and our other backs are able to move the ball on the ground, that does two other things for us. The Alta game was a perfect example. We were way ahead in time of possession and that enables us to control the clock and keep the opposing offense off the field a little more."

Some teams have had had some success containing Springville's rushing attack, but the Devils have an answer.

"Jantsen is very intelligent and makes good decisions," Child said. "He calls a lot of our plays, so he's like having a second offensive coordinator. That provides the ultimate flexibility." —

East vs. Springville

P Class 4A Championship, at Rice- Eccles Stadium

• Friday, 6:30 p.m.