Prep Sports: Journey to the Top

It doesn't get any more dramatic than this. Down 3-2, Davis got a goal from Mackenzie Harrison in the last ten seconds of stoppage time to push the championship game into overtime.

This is the closest state title game Alta has played in. The Hawks definitely controlled possession in the first overtime period and Kealia Ohai, who has been the team's leading scorer, got off a good shot but her goal was nullified. Minutes later, when she was triple-teamed, she passed the ball to an open Lexe Selman. She had a good look but her shot sailed over the goal.

Now onto the second overtime period.

Timpanogos took the Class 4A state title in dramatic fashion. Late in the second half, senior Gel Dickson crossed the ball and junior McKenzie Adams put it away. She scored the winning goal in the 79th minute and the Timberwolves held on for their first soccer title in school history.

The Class 5A game is getting under way. They just played the national anthem and player introductions are being made. Alta is going for a state record fourth straight championship. But Davis isn't just going to give it to them. Should be a good game.

Timpanogos wasn't intimidated by the fact that it was playing against defending champion Bonneville in the 4A title game at Rio Tinto Stadium on Friday.

To start the game, the Timberwolves were the aggressors and took the lead in the 22nd minute. McKenize Adams took a shot about 20 yards out and her shot grazed just over the top of the Bonneville keeper and landed in the upper left corner of the net.

Bonneville had a chance to tie the score when Jaiden Thornock broke away for a shot. She drew the Timpanogos keeper out of the goal and had a look at an open net but defender Lexie Henrie deflected the ball out of bounds.

Both sides came up with big defensive plays in the first half but it was Timpanogos who took the 1-0 halftime lead.

--Maggie Thach

For the players of four lucky teams, tonight will likely be a sleepless night. The players are full of excitement and eagerness. After all, they will be playing for a championship at Rio Tinto Stadium.

"It's a world-class facility," said Alta coach Lee Mitchell, whose team will be gunning for its fourth straight state title Friday. "To be able to play there, it's an experience of a lifetime."

The Class 5A and 4A championship will be played tomorrow at 7 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., respectively, at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The 5A title will be an intense battle between Alta and Davis. The Hawks pulled out a close win to get into the championship game as it held off a very strong Fremont team. It took an overtime goal by star Kealia Ohai to lift Alta. Davis also beat a strong team in the semifinals but it wasn't as close. The Darts beat Viewmont 3-0.

Bonneville is also looking to repeat as state champions. The Lakers say they haven't played their best soccer yet and are looking to have their best game of the year tomorrow. Timpanogos, who played in 5A last season, is experienced in playing top-notch teams (i.e. Alta and Brighton last year) and has a goood shot tomorrow.

The 3A and 2A teams going to Rio Tinto Stadium will also be decided tomorrow, with the semifinals at Jordan High School.

Friday schedule:

Class 5A championship at Rio Tinto Stadium

Davis vs. Alta, 7 p.m.

Class 4A championship at Rio Tinto Stadium

Bonneville vs. Timpanogos, 4:30 p.m.

Class 3A semifinals at Jordan

Judge vs. Morgan, 3:45 p.m.

Bear River vs. Juan Diego, 6 p.m.

Class 2A semifinals at Jordan

Waterford vs. Rowland Hall, 11 a.m.

Millard vs. St. Joseph, 1:15 p.m.

--Maggie Thach

So by now, you probably know that this week will be armageddon for a number of teams, a large number of teams, around the state. So in an attempt to set the week, here's what's at stake. 

In Region 1, Weber and Northridge are playing for the last postseason spot. If Weber wins, the Warriors get the number four seed. If Northridge wins, the two teams go at it again next week in a play-in game. Northridge hasn't missed the playoffs since 1996....uhhhhhhhh, I was in high school back then. 

In Region 3, Kearns and West Jordan play tonight for the last playoff spot. It's win or go home for both teams in this league. 

In Region 4, Brighton and Jordan are battling it out for the final spot. If Jordan wins, the two teams do it again in a play-in game. Should Brighton win, the Bengals would be guaranteed a playoff spot, and could climb as high as the third spot, depending on what happens with Alta and Pleasant Grove. 

In Region 11, Ben Lomond and Grantsville are playing for the final spot. 

This is just some of the things that are at stake starting tonight. These next two days should be fun for all involved. 

Tony Jones