Waterford clings to 3A tradition

Waterford's soccer programs — a boys team and a girls team — are currently fighting for the right to continue to compete in Class 3A.

Banished to a brand-new 1A/2A league by the Utah High School Activities Association, Waterford's staff is working feverishly to reverse that decision. Going down to that classification would be a big blow to the Ravens because they have laid so much groundwork at the 3A level. In fact, boys coach Bob Capener doesn't know whether his team would continue to function if it's forced to permanently stay in the new league.

In the end, though, Waterford hopes to avoid that and get back to 3A.

It's developed a lot of tradition in that classification, especially on the boys side. And Waterford continued to be successful in 2006. On year after advancing to the state final, the Ravens won another Region 14 title in 2006 and advanced to the quarterfinals with a young team.

All of which should help Capener build for the future, if his squad climbs back to 3A.

"To get to the round of eight was a goal we had," said Capener.

Because Waterford had to replace eight starters from its state-finalist squad, many people wondered what the tiny Sandy school would be capable of this season.

Capener got big performances from a number of players throughout the year, but arguably nobody was more important than junior midfielder Spencer Linsley. He patrolled the Ravens' midfield and helped anchor the squad at both ends. Linsley scored 15 goals, which led the Ravens, and was selected to the second-team All-State squad.

"He was the key guy," said Capener.

Besides him, several others stepped up. Senior forward Matt Ward was injured at times but was a key leader and team captain. Brothers Taylor and Drew Rasmussen anchored the defense. Goalkeeper Jason Parkin was solid. Eric D'Astous, Nick Jones, Jon Orr and others were part of a superb freshman class that Capener hopes he can keep together.

Probably one of the biggest highlights for Waterford came when it beat St. Joseph at the end of the regular season. After narrowly losing to the Jayhawks the first time they met, the Ravens knocked off St. Joseph 4-0, clinching a share of the Region 14 title.

After beating Judge in the opening round of the playoffs, Waterford lost to Bear River in the quarterfinals.