High school soccer: Vikes open season with win over 'Cats

BOUNTIFUL — On paper — for what that's worth — the Viewmont Vikings of Region 1 have all the makings of an outstanding boys soccer side.

They've got strength in the back, talent in midfield and guys up top that can stick the ball in the back of the net.

Accordingly, the obvious challenge for Viewmont during the early-going is to transfer that potential into an end-product.

That much was on display during the Vikings' season-opener against neighbor Woods Cross Friday afternoon. The Vikes played solid defensively from start to finish and showed flashes of ability going the other way. Add that up, and it amounted to a 1-0 win for Viewmont.

"We're growing," said senior captain Colton Cook, who scored the game's lone goal in the 28th minute on a sweetly-struck volley.

The difference for Viewmont Friday was in the middle.

Woods Cross' outstanding defense, led by star sweeper Will Burton and goalkeeper Matt Jensen, largely canceled out Viewmont's outstanding defense.

However, the Vikes, behind Cook and a pair of talented youngsters, controlled midfield and, consequently, controlled the game. Viewmont coach Dave Wigham didn't hesitate to throw freshmen Dillon Richens and Justin Allen into the fire of varsity action alongside Cook, and the duo responded to the opportunity with flying colors.

"For a first game (of) varsity high school, they were super," Wigham said.

Richens, Allen and Cook controlled the middle more and more as the game progressed, which allowed Viewmont's attack to get going. The Vikes strung together a series of pretty good buildups and showed there's plenty to come.

"The thing that we've got that I like is we can come at you in various ways," Wigham said. "We've got Tommy (Barrett), who's fast, physical and he'll win anything in the air. We've got speed, if you wanna give us that. We've got guys who can control the ball and take you on.

"We've got just about everything that you need, it's just a matter of confidence and playing together."

On the other hand, Burton, who was exceptional Friday, found himself on the end of several Woods Cross chances, despite the fact he was playing from the back.

"He was our top shot-getter today, and that's not a surprise," said Woods Cross coach Kevin Rigby. "I wish we could use him on offense."

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E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com

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