ULR Staff Picks: Week 3
After an exciting week of games, it’s time to turn the page and see what’s coming up next. But first, let’s check in on how last week’s picks performed.
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Week 2 Recap
March 11 - Utah @ Marquette (Men’s) - All the picks were in favor of Utah in this one. The Utes are on a roll and will take on Virginia this week.
UCCS @ Westminster (Women’s) - This was a one goal game that saw Cody, Tim, Ron and Libby pick correctly. The Griffins won 12-11 in a great RMAC showdown.
Northridge @ Bountiful (Boy’s) - The Redhawks were the victors in this one by the score of 16-7.
Brighton @ Judge Memorial (Boy’s) - This was a really great game between two really great teams. Brighton held on, 13-11. This was the only one the fan vote didn’t pick correctly.
Ridgeline @ Woods Cross (Girl’s) - Woods Cross was the victor, winning 13-9. The picks were split evenly on this one. See pictures from this game here.
Syracuse @ Maple Mountain (Girl’s) - Syracuse dominated, 17-6.
Staff Standings
Cody Elmen: 7-5
Tim Haslam: 7-5
Ron Hill: 8-4
Libby Mitchell: 7-5
Dane Stewart: 5-6
Austin Whiting: 7-5
Fan Vote: 9-3
On to the picks for Week 3!
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College
March 21 - BYU v. Tennessee (Men’s)
This will be the third game for both teams on the week as both play Liberty and Auburn before squaring off against each other. BYU is 7-0 entering the week while the Vols sit at 8-1. The lone loss came from No. 3 South Carolina a month ago. Both teams have offensive threats who are playing well. For BYU, Mason Quick leads the team with 38 goals and 15 assists. For Tennessee, Logan Aiello has 34 goals and 23 assists.
Cody Elmen: It’s a tough stretch in Knoxville as both teams will play 3 games in four days, including against No. 8 Liberty. With that said, I’d take BYU over nearly anyone in MCLA right now. I think their unreal amount of depth will carry them through this difficult road trip. Cougars win.
Tim Haslam: On paper, these teams are pretty comparable but I’m confident the Vols don’t have an answer for the Cougars offensive threats. I’m picking BYU.
Ron Hill: They are just to deep, I’m going with Cougs and a big fourth quarter.
Libby Mitchell: BYU is on a roll lately. I think they keep it going this week.
Dane Stewart: I’ll roll with the Cougars here.
Austin Whiting: It’s really hard to bet against either of the top two Utah teams in MCLA right now. I’ve got the Cougs in this one, 12-9.
March 21 - Westminster v. Colorado Mesa (Women’s)
The Griffins (3-2) will enter the game after playing William Jewel on Wednesday and Colorado Mesa currently sits at 1-7 overall. Ava Deakins leads the Griffins with 15 points while Carson Dickey is leading the Mavericks with 21 points.
CE: Colorado Mesa has the Griffins’ number, winning the last 23 games in this matchup. However, I think this is the game where it finally comes to an end. Westminster wins at home.
TH: I think this will be one of the closer games in these two teams’ histories and I’m going to give the edge to the Griffins on Dumke Field.
RH: I’ll go with the flow on this one. It’s time for the Griffins to take one.
LM: Westminster for the win! They are in the zone with their recent games.
DS: Westminster at home
AW: I’m also going to take Westminster here after a hard-fought victory over UCCS; 12-11 for the Griffins.
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Boys
March 20 - East @ Skyline
CE: Two very strong offenses in this one. In the 4th quarter against Juan Diego, East scored 8 goals, nearly completing the comeback. With that front of mind, I have to give the edge to East.
TH: East is going to continue its winning ways with a big offensive night.
RH: East is playing some good lacrosse. Kind of a sleeper on the year, they can score real quick. Skyline battles, but the Leopards just have too much offense.
LM: This one really could go either way. Both teams have mixed records and have been playing well. I’m going to pick Skyline.
DS: I’ll take East’s offense to outscore Skyline
AW: East’s young offense has been impressive, averaging almost 16 a game with most of those being assisted. I think it’ll be too much for this Skyline team, I’ll say 18-12 for the Leopards.
March 20 - Corner Canyon @ Brighton
CE: This one will be fun. After the early loss, Corner Canyon is figuring things out, and the Chargers always seem to get better as the season goes on. However, I picked against Brighton last week. I’m not going to make that mistake again. Give me the Bengals.
TH: I’m not certain Corner Canyon has the horses to control possessions and slow down the Brighton offense. I’m picking Brighton to win this one.
RH: This one is BIG! Corner Canyon wants to reestablish itself and Brighton sitting at No. 1 in the polls. Tons of motivation for both teams, Corner Canyon gets the close win.
LM: Brighton is undefeated so far this season, and I don’t see Corner Canyon changing that. Bengals win.
DS: This game is so tight I had to ask the Magic8 ball… it said to watch it on KSLSports.com on Friday night.
AW: Given that Corner is the only one of these two teams to even show a hint of a weakness with the loss to JD makes me want to give the nod to Brighton. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Chargers somehow find their way back to the top but until then I’ll take Brighton 12-11.
Girls
March 17 - Mountain Ridge @ Skyridge
CE: I have a feeling we might see this matchup later this year at Westminster. Skyridge faced some top competition during its trip to California, which strengthened an already impressive Falcons team. However, I believe Mountain Ridge could be the top team in 6A right now. I’m giving the advantage to Mountain Ridge.
TH: When I did a podcast with Skyridge HC Michelle Buechner, she talked about defense winning championships and more specifically about average goals allowed. Skyridge is allowing 6 goals per game against Utah teams. Mountain Ridge is also at 6 goals allowed per game. I predict that it will be 7-6 in overtime for the Falcons.
RH: Skyridge has caught everyone’s attention and probably will be one of Mountain Ridges toughest 6A opponents. They are on a roll, going with Skyridge.
LM: Mountain Ridge’s Lucy Rigby is having a stellar year with an average of more than 5 points a game. But on Skyridge, Summer Buechner is killing it with assists. I think it will be close, but Mountain Ridge will take it.
DS: Falcons fly to victory.
AW: Great rematch from last year’s playoffs. I’m going to have to go with Mountain Ridge again for this matchup. I’ll take 8-7 for the Sentinels.
March 20 - Westlake @ Weber
CE: I think Weber wins this one. The Warriors are off to a hot start, especially their offense. They have three players with over 10 goals this early in the season. I think they will come out on top in this one.
TH: Weber will use home-field advantage to secure the win in this one.
RH: Long road trip for Westlake. Weber can score, especially at home. Weber in a tight one.
LM: Weber is coming into the game with a 4-1 record, versus Weslake’s 2-3. I think they get another win.
DS: I’ll take Weber here at home to continue their early season success
AW: With both teams having played Sky View, it looks like Weber looks to win this one. While I hate picking against the Thunder I’ll say 10-7 for the Warriors.
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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
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