ULR Staff Picks: Week 1
Make your picks below!
Welcome in lacrosse fans to the very first Utah Lax Report Staff Picks. We’ve assembled a dynamic group to weigh in on some really great games this week. Let’s get to it!
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College
March 4 - BYU @ Utah (Women’s)
Utah will host the Cougars at Crimson Field on Wednesday at 7:00pm in a must-see showdown. The Utes enter the game at 2-2 and are the No. 20 team in the latest polls. BYU enters the game with a 4-2 record and are the No. 10 team.
Goals For Average: BYU 14.17, Utah 6.75
Goals Against Average: BYU 10, Utah 8.75
Common Opponent: Georgia. Utah lost 14-7, BYU lost 17-5.
Cody Elmen: I have BYU coming out on top in a close game once again. BYU has played more games this season to build chemistry and iron out potential flaws.
Tim Haslam: This will be a fun, back and forth game and I see BYU squeaking out a win.
Ron Hill: This is going to be tight, so I am going with the Utes and the home field.
Libby Mitchell: This is a really even match, looking at how both teams have been playing. I’m going to pick Utah, but either way, it will be a great game to watch.
Dane Stewart: Back-to-back double-digit wins has BYU’s confidence guiding them to the win over their rival.
Austin Whiting: I predict the Cougs coming out on top, 13-11.
March 6 - USC v. Utah Tech @ SMU (Men’s)
This is a great neutral-site matchup at SMU in Texas as Utah Tech kicks off a three game stint in the Lone Star state. This the first time these two squads have met. Utah Tech enters with a 1-3 record, but two of those losses were by 1 goal. USC enters 0-6 on the season and has had a rough start to the year.
Goals For Average: Utah Tech 12, USC 7.17
Goals Against Average: Utah Tech 15.7, USC 12.8
Common Opponent: Grand Canyon. Both teams lost by 1 goal to the Lopes.
CE: This is a chance for Utah Tech to really get rolling on the season. After two close losses, the win in their last against Denver should help build their confidence and propel them to a win against USC.
TH: I’m going to go with Utah Tech. They are hungry to beat an MCLA D-I team and this is the perfect chance.
RH: Utah Tech wants to make a “We are here statement” good game to do it on. Utah tech in a tough and close contest.
LM: With a contest this close I have to go with the home team. Utah Tech will take it.
DS: I think Utah Tech edges out USC in a close battle.
AW: I’m taking the Trailblazers. USC hasn’t performed as well offensively and I think Tech wins it 16-12.
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Boys
March 4 - Woods Cross @ Payson
This will be the opening game for both teams so it will be exciting to see what each squad brings to the table. Payson graduated a good chunk of the offense but has Talan Hardy back in goal to anchor the defense. Woods Cross graduated 17 seniors who accounted for 71% of goals, 83% of points, all of the faceoff wins and goalie.
CE: I’m going with Payson. In the first game of the season, it’s important to have returning players to help anchor those making their first varsity start. Payson brings back a few more in key positions, especially at faceoff.
TH: I think the homefield advantage and long travel for Woods Cross will lead to a Lions win.
RH: Travel, young varsity team,and first game of the season. Got to give this one to the Lions.
LM: Both teams are rebuilding a bit this year, and with younger players coming up the play could be very different than in years past. I think Woods Cross takes this one.
DS: Payson’s momentum from last year helps them start this year off with a win.
AW: I’m going to take Payson in what I think will be a close game. It will be interesting to see who steps up for WC after graduating so many seniors. Payson is bringing back some younger talent with Varsity experience that I think will give them the edge. I’ve got 11-9 for Payson.
March 6 - West Field @ Olympus
This is the first game for Olympus but will be the second for West Field who plays Brighton on 3/3. West Field was pretty dominant in 4A so the 5A field should present new challenges. These two squads met early last season with Olympus winning, 7-6. Both teams return quite a bit from last year so this one should come down to the wire once again. This game will be streamed live on kslsports.com/watch.
CE: I’m picking Olympus, but it’s going to be a close one. West Field dominated the face-offs against Olympus last year, and Porter Lawrence is back again this year. However, I think the rides from Olympus will be the key difference, leading the Titans to victory.
TH: I’m really excited for this one and a chance to see what West Field brings to the 5A ranks this year. I am going to pick Oly though in a close one.
RH: West Fields early schedule is really challenging, Brighton and Olympus back to back. Great challenge but I am going to have to go with the Titans experience.
LM: I think Olympus will win this one, but it will set West Field up for revenge later on in the season.
DS: The experience they gained last year helps Olympus outlast the Longhorns in a close one.
AW: I think the Olympus defense will prevail in a tight game, I’ll give this one 8-7 for the Titans.
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Girls
March 6 - Payson @ West Jordan
Payson will enter this game with a game under its belt having played Pleasant Grove on 3/3. These are two very similar teams on paper and should be a great early season test for each team.
CE: I’m going with West Jordan, but it will all come down to draw control. I think the Jaguars will win this battle, keep the ball on offense, and win a high-scoring contest.
TH: I’m going with Payson on this one simply because of goalie Myka Elliott who is poised to have a great game for the Lions.
RH: I have to go with Tim on this one. West Jordan is highly ranked, but Myka Elliot is a wall in the net. I looking at an upset at West Jordan.
LM: I think Payson wins this one. West Jordan is good, but Payson has been looking for make their mark for a while now and this could be the year.
DS: Jags started the year hot last year, I expect them to score enough goals to pull this one out.
AW: I’m taking the home team in West Jordan, I think the senior-heavy Jaguars will win 12-10.
March 6 - Copper Hills @ Bountiful
Copper Hills faces Springville on March 4 so they’ll have a one game advantage. Both teams are looking to get off to a hot start in this new season.
CE: This feels like a toss-up, but I’m going with Bountiful. The Redhawks’ offense has multiple ways to attack, and I think that will help them win a nail-biter.
TH: Elise Southworth will be the difference in this game and will give the Grizzlies the advantage.
RH: I think the one game under their belt will benefit the Grizzlies overcoming a trip to Red Hawk territory.
LM: This is Bountiful’s game to lose.
DS: Bountiful protects the nest in their season opener.
AW: I’m going to give Bountiful the slight edge with Copper Hills losing many impactful seniors from last year. I’m guessing 9-8 for the Redhawks.
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Staff Includes:
Tim Haslam - Editor-In-Chief of Utah Lax Report
Libby Mitchell - Girls/Women’s Editor of Utah Lax Report
Dane Stewart - Play by Play for KSL Sports Rewind.
Ron Hill - Hill & Hill Photography, ULR Coaches Poll Director
Austin Whiting - Westlake Coach, Utah Arrowhead (PLL Supporters Group)
Cody Elmen - Former Bingham Coach & Player, up and coming writer
Which games should we feature next week?