ULR Staff Picks: Week 7
Region play begins for most teams which means the competition is heating up! We have some great games to go through this week. Make sure to cast your vote below!
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Week 6 Recap
April 9 - Westminster @ Colorado Mesa (Men’s)
The Griffins needed to win by two goals to host the RMAC playoffs and they did just that. Griffins 15 - Mavericks 13
April 10 - Westminster @ Regis (Women’s)
It was a tough game for the Griffins who lost 16-5.
April 8 - Viewmont @ Copper Hills (Boy’s)
Copper Hills won 11-7.
April 10 - Sky View v Wasatch (Boy’s)
Wasatch took home the win, 9-3.
April 9 - Farmington @ Weber (Girl’s)
Farmington opened region play with a 12-9 win.
April 10 - Riverton @ West Jordan (Girl’s)
Riverton took care of business, winning 15-6. You can watch this game here.
Staff Standings
Cody Elmen: 27-8
Tim Haslam: 25-8
Ron Hill: 26-9
Libby Mitchell: 24-11
Dane Stewart: 23-9
Austin Whiting: 25-10
Fan Vote: 26-9
On to the picks for Week 6!
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Boys
April 14 - Herriman @ East
Goals For Average: East 13.5, Herriman 14.2
Goals Against Average: East 10.4, Herriman 8.4
RPI: East #10 in 5A, Herriman #13 in 6A
Common Opponents:
- vs Maple Mountain: East +11, Herriman +8
- vs Olympus: East -3, Herriman -12
Cody Elmen: In similar matchups, East has had stronger results. I really like East’s offense and how quickly they can score and go on runs. I’m going with the Leopards.
Tim Haslam: I’m going to pick the Mustangs simply because they are scoring more goals and allowing less goals per game.
Ron Hill: These two are close that is for sure, I am going with the Mustangs in a tight game
Libby Mitchell: The Mustangs and Leopards are currently among the most evenly matched teams in the state. I think this is going to be a high-scoring game for both teams, and that Herriman will narrowly take it.
Dane Stewart: I really want to go East here, but I’ll take Herriman in a close one
Austin Whiting: I think East’s offense will prove too much. I’ll guess 13-12 East.
April 15 - Alta @ Brighton
Coaches Poll: No. 2 Brighton, No. 6 Alta
Goals For Average: Alta 11.2, Brighton 11.4
Goals Against Average: Alta 7.5, Brighton 7.3
RPI: Alta #3 in 5A, Brighton #4 in 5A
Common Opponents:
- vs West Field: Brighton +5, Alta +2
- vs Park City: Brighton -2, Alta -6
- vs Judge: Brighton +2, Alta +3
- vs Wasatch: Brighton +9, Alta +4
- vs Corner Canyon: Brighton +1, Alta -1
CE: Utah High School Lacrosse is better when Alta is good. It’s great to see them back among the elite teams. That said, it’s going to be close, but I think Brighton wins this one.
TH: I can confidently say this will likely be a one-goal game… but who wins? My first thought is to pick Alta because they played games more recently. But does that mean Brighton will have fresher legs? Normally I’d give an advantage to the home team, but Brighton has dropped its last two at home (Farmington, Park City). I think the rest will pay off for Brighton so I’m picking the Bengals.
RH: I think the layoff is going to be tough for Brighton, but I still think they pull out a close one.
LM: These are some old-school rivals, and that could get Alta pumped, but I don’t think they will be a match for Brighton.
DS: Two offenses with depth and versatility. If Brighton is healthy, I’ll side with the home Bengals
AW: Brighton’s been slightly more impressive in similar games. I’ll say the Bengals 12-11.
April 15 - Mountain Crest @ Bear River
Goals For Average: Mountain Crest 13.1, Bear River 14.8
Goals Against Average: Mountain Crest 4.4, Bear River 6.3
RPI: Mountain Crest #7 in 4A, Bear River #4 in 4A
Common Opponents:
- vs Canyon View: Bear River +12, Mountain Crest +13
- vs Sky View: Bear River +4, Mountain Crest -3
- vs Green Canyon: Bear River + 6, Mountain Crest - 7
CE: Mountain Crest has had a brutal schedule leading up to this one, and it doesn’t get easier after. Bear River is coming into this one hot, and I think they continue that momentum with a win here.
TH: Can the Mountain Crest defense shut down the Bears offense? I think they can. I’m picking the Mustangs in this one.
RH: It is hard to get a win at Bear River for any team. The Bears in a tight game.
LM: This is another really balanced match, right down to the scoring averages of Preston Wilkinson (Bears) and Davis Cooper (Mustangs). But Bear River is playing more consistently, so I think they take it.
DS: Bears eat beats…don’t know what that has to do with lacrosse, but I’ll take Bear River
AW: I like Bear River here. I’ll say 13-10.
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Girls
April 16 - Weber @ Davis
Goals For Average: Weber 13.4, Davis 10.3
Goals Against Average: Weber 5.4, Davis 8.8
RPI: Weber #7 in 6A, Davis #6 in 6A
Common Opponents:
- vs Woods Cross: Davis +10, Weber +7
- vs Layton: Davis +15, Weber +25
CE: This should be a fun one. Both teams are really evenly matched, and every game in that region feels like a bitter rivalry. I think Weber’s offense is too good right now, so I’m picking the Warriors.
TH: Two pretty evenly matched teams. I think Quinn Costello is going to be too much for the Darts. Weber wins.
RH: Weber is on a nice run, I think they keep the momentum and get the win.
LM: This is my favorite match-up of the week. These teams are both so good and have such different styles. But I think Davis will take this one in a two-goal victory.
DS: I’ll take the Warriors here.
AW: I’m going to pick the Darts, 11-10.
April 17 - Skyline @ Olympus
Goals For Average: Skyline 7.3, Olympus 5.9
Goals Against Average: Skyline 13.5, Olympus 11.4
RPI: Skyline #19 in 5A, Olympus #12 in 5A
Common Opponents:
- vs Riverton: Olympus -17, Skyline -21
CE: One of the underrated rivalries in Utah. Both teams’ records don’t reflect how good they are, as both have played really tough competition. I’m picking the Titans in this one, but it’s close.
TH: Skyline is scoring more goals, but giving up more goals. I think Oly digs deep for the win.
RH: Olympus has been real quiet, and I think they are getting ready to explode back on the scene. The Titans in a convincing win.
LM: Olympus is fighting for a win and I say they get it.
DS: I gotta believe Olympus will get on track. I’ll take the Titans
AW: I’ll take Olympus in this one. 14-11.
April 17 - Viewmont @ Bountiful
Goals For Average: Viewmont 6.7, Bountiful 7.9
Goals Against Average: Viewmont 14.9, Bountiful 12.7
RPI: Viewmont #21, Bountiful #24
Common Opponents:
- vs Copper Hills: Bountiful -7, Viewmont -11
CE: I think Bountiful is a good example of why RPI is good, but not perfect. They are much better than than 24th team in 5A. I’m going with the Redhawks here.
TH: Bountiful wins with great defense.
RH: Tight in the RPI rank, going with the home team in the rival, the Redhawks.
LM: Great game between Davis County rivals. I’m going with Bountiful.
DS: I gotta roll with family here, I’ll take Bountiful.
AW: I think Bountiful will pull off the upset here, 10-9.
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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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