Just because Waterford High School is expanding up to Class 3A doesn't necessarily mean the Ravens will be taking their lumps for very long.

Waterford coaches believe both the girls and boys track and field teams are ready for the challenge. Region 14 should be won by talented Juab, while Waterford should end up in third.

"They realize we're up against some of the best teams in the state," says Waterford coach Troy Jones. "It's a good opportunity ... We've got some individuals that can compete."

Waterford's girls team will look to sprinter Lizzie Ekong for points in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. As a sophomore, Ekong took second at the state meet in the 100 meters. This season, she's looking just as strong. The junior will be one of the favorites to medal at BYU.

Nikita Thomas will add depth in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes. Ana Pantiledes should score some points in the 400 meters and on the relay team.

Freshman Hailey Karg will contribute in mid-distance events, as the newcomer has emerged in the 3,200 and 1,600 meters. Rounding out the girls team is multitalented sprinter and javelin thrower Ashley Aliprandi.

Juab's Audrey Adams could be the best athlete in girls 2A field. The sprinter is in the state's top five in the 100 meter dash, which makes her a heavy favorite to take gold at the state meet.

The Waterford boys are led by long jumper and sprinter Phil Ngo. He runs the 100-, 200- and 400-meter dashes and he's also one of the top returning long jumpers in 2A. The junior took third place in the finals of the last year's state competition and will be a top contender again.

Max Rosett is another point maker for the Ravens. He's emerged as the team's top runner in the 800 meters and he does double duty in the relay events.

Younger runners Michael Potter and Jeremy Derosa'Sehlachter compete in the relay events and some sprint events but they both need some seasoning.

With a very small boys team, getting past Juab and North Summit will be tough.

Coach Jones likes how both girls and boys teams continue to learn and get better.

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E-mail: tpeterson@desnews.com