When the Uintah Utes football squad roundly defeated the Cougars of Union High School in their 2009 rivalry game, the score said it all.

43-16. What a way to put a stamp on your victory, right?

The Uintah team of 2010, however, is decidedly not the Utes of 2009. Last year’s team from Vernal went 3-7 in their first year of play at the 4-A level. The Cougars, who stayed in 3-A play, were a dismal 2-8.

If you think there is no comparison to the two teams — and that Uintah will ride roughshod over Union, think again.

You can bet the Cougars will be coming into the game with a desire to avenge the slam dunk Uintah dealt them last year.

Add to that the fact it’s homecoming for the Utes and you have the perfect setting for the game of the year in Vernal.

Any revenge Union wants to send Uintah’s was will have to come from the arm of their quarterback, Braxten Nielsen — and possibly their linemen.

Nielsen, at 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds, is a wily QB — but atypical of what you would expect from the field general.

The defensive and offensive line are also key factors for Uintah to watch out for. On both sides of the ball, seniors Tyler Navanick and Mike Barney, along with junior Karson Bertoch, will bring a solid wall against Uintah.

Union put up impressive numbers in their first game of the season against Ben Lomond of Odgen. The Cougars fell short, however, in their next two games, falling to both Manti and Juab.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday night at Ute Stadium.