Faith Lutheran’s football season started with grand dreams of a Class 5A state championship, but that was before the Crusaders lost six of their first seven games.

They were written off by many, but first-year coach Jay Staggs never stopped believing.

Staggs’ faith was rewarded with an improbable postseason run. The Crusaders (6-7) will face Spanish Springs (12-0) for the 5A state tile at 3:40 p.m. Tuesday at Allegiant Stadium. The team will attempt to win its second state championship after claiming the Division IA crown in 2013.

Faith Lutheran’s chances of upsetting the Cougars appear minimal, but the team has become accustomed to defying the odds in recent weeks.

“A lot of people didn’t feel we earned the right to even get into the playoffs,” said Staggs, whose squad has won five of

See Full Page