Judgement Week

With region play finally in full swing within each classification, there are several games this week, which will pit the top two teams in a number of regions against each other on the pitch.

Here are my thoughts on some of these matches:

Brighton at Alta – Can it get any better than the state’s top two teams going head-to-head? The Hawks and the Bengals have mirrored each other in their domination of opponents this season. Both teams own a rock solid defense and possess an offense with explosive capabilities. I want to see what answers Brighton’s defense has for Alta’s talented frontline of Kealia Ohai, Ashley Jones and ex-Bengal Lauren Roundy. The natural tendency is for teams to mark Ohai with two or three defenders, but that usually leaves Jones or Roundy with extra room to do some damage. The Bengals also present a pair of playmakers to worry about with Jessica Ringwood and Stephanie Verdoia. The duo have combined for 19 goals – 2/3 of Brighton’s offensive output this season.

Bountiful at Woods Cross – This match offers a chance to see two premier 4A players – Monica Okapal and Nikki Fernandes – finally go up against each other. Okapal has simply been amazing with her ability to score at will. It has caused what I like to call the “Ohai effect” where teams are starting to mark her with more than one defender to try to contain the senior. We knew Nikki Fernandes would be good, given what she did at Northridge before this season. So far, she has helped the Wildcats to a 6-1 start. Both players will continue to see plenty of each other in the future, with Fernandes going to San Diego State and Okapal committed to the University of Utah.

Highland at East – This is the ultimate measuring stick game for the Rams. A win here means the torch for Region 6 supremacy has officially passed to Highland. If East hopes to take an important step in successfully defending its ’07 region title, the Leopards must figure out how to penetrate “the wall”. Highland’s defense – led by keeper Erica Owens – has not allowed a goal since Judge scored on it in the season opener. Of course, the Leopards are no slouch defensively – having allowed only five goals in seven games.

Orem at Springville – The Tigers lengthy shutout streak finally came to an end against Provo last week. Now Orem’s defense gets its biggest challenge against a Red Devils offense that’s averaging 6.5 goals per game and has scored 10 or more goals against three of its last five opponents. Natalie Young and Alexis Eaton are leading the way with 20 goals between them. It should be a low-scoring affair, but if Orem needs offense, Tanisia Wilson knows how to provide it. She has accounted for eight goals – 1/3 of the Tigers offense – in eight games.

Lone Peak at Lehi – The Pioneers enjoyed a strong preseason. Can they handle a talented Lone Peak squad at home? The Knights have owned Region 4 in past seasons and seem to be gathering momentum after a bumpy start. This game has all the signs of a classic defensive struggle. Lehi has the second-best scoring defense in 5A behind Brighton. Lone Peak has one of the more experienced backlines in the state. The pressure to produce a shutout is on the Pioneers because the Knights are 4-0 when scoring at least once this season.

Davis at Weber – The title chase in Region 1 suddenly grew more interesting after Viewmont discovered how to slow down the Darts’ offense last week. Now it will be up to the Warriors to see if they can recreate the same defensive formula. It won’t be easy. Davis has a pair of potent scorers in Kenzie Harrison and Katie Taylor who make life miserable for opposing defenses. But Weber also has plenty going for it in terms of offense. The Warriors – led by Sierra Schenk – have averaged 4.0 goals per game during their current four-game winning streak in Region 1.

You’ve read my thoughts. Now let me read yours. Which teams do you think have the edge in these matches? Who will gain advantage in these regions? And what other games pique your interest this week?