KAYSVILLE -- Both the Davis Darts and Layton Lancers were thoroughly pounded last week.

The Darts played in a highly anticipated game against Region 1 powerhouse Fremont and got down 41-0 before even scoring their first points en route to a 41-13 thrashing at the hands of the Silver Wolves.

Layton came into their Clearfield contest last week hoping to prove that indeed their program was improving. Their plan seemed to be working as they went into halftime against the always tough Falcons down just 7-3. Things unraveled quickly in the second half and they ended up getting blown out 31-3.

Davis comes into the game tied for third place in the region with Clearfield at 2-1. At 4-2 overall, the Darts are closing in on a winning season and a state playoff berth. Both of those things have been somewhat of a rarity the past eight or so years in Kaysville.

Layton has still just one win to their credit while standing at 0-3 in league play. In last week's game, the Lancer defense held Clearfield's offense in check for two quarters of the game. Layton couldn't hold Clearfield down forever and the Falcons ran all over the Lancers to the tune of 205 second-half rushing yards.

That statistic particularly stands out to the Darts. Davis is a run-first offense and will most likely try to capitalize on Layton's inability to stop the run.

Layton is more of a pass- first offense. That could also bode well for the Lancers. Granted, Davis' two losses have come against the second- and third-ranked teams in the state. But more importantly, Brighton and Fremont have passing attacks and the Darts had no defensive answer for either team.

Layton poses the deep threat with wide receiver Nate O'Neal. They also have a very good running back in Brandon Lomax. Lomax will need more touches this week than he had last week if the Lancers are to successfully go to the air and O'Neal. Davis cornerbacks Ryan Smoot and David Bailey will have their hands full with O'Neal.

The Darts' running game is very similar to Clearfield's in that they have a bruiser (Bryan Kariya) and a slasher (Brent Tenney). Layton had fits with both of Clearfield's backs Matt Francom (bruiser) and Jordan Paskett (slasher).

One thing Davis has going for them that perhaps Clearfield didn't is a remnant of a passing game.

Davis quarterback Zach Olsen is more than capable of putting the ball in the air to either wide receiver Tim Grasso or Ryan Smoot. Layton didn't have to worry too much about the Clearfield passing attack.

The old adage is you always need to run the ball to successfully pass the ball. Layton needs that to happen for them to win this game or at least stay competitive. The Lancers are hoping that the Darts have trouble with that passing game like they have in their two losses this year.

Davis will establish the run early with Tenney, Kariya and Olsen. If their running game is clicking, the Darts will keep pounding and pounding until Layton has no life left.