What to know: Hillcrest, the defending 4A champs is rounding into shape after knocking off last week’s No. 1 team, Blackfoot, for its fourth consecutive victory. But as it looks to repeat, another weapon is emerging besides it vaunted rushing attack — its defense.

Since losing to Skyline 34-22, Hillcrest has allowed 14.5 points per game. Some of that is built off a weak schedule. But by holding Blackfoot to 24 points, the Knights defense proved it’s legit.

On offense, running backs Jordan Speirs and Devin Droghei are looking even more dominant than last year as Droghei leads the area in rushing and Speirs is a close second.

Meanwhile, Minico has fallen off its championship level after losing running back Skylar Morgan to Idaho State. It has yet to beat a team above .500.