To the mats

Spanish Fork last did it three years ago. Pleasant Grove has done it a few times, along with Orem. Payson has done it once, too.

Those are the three Utah County schools that have won state wrestling championships. This weekend at the 4A and 5A state tournament finals at UVSC, Springville could add its name to that list.

The Red Devils, competing in 4A, are the only local group with expectations of challenging for a state championship. Pleasant Grove has dominated the local 5A teams but doesn't have enough star power or depth to be expected to win. Other schools like Lehi and Lone Peak would do well to achieve a top-five finish.

No doubt about it, this is Springville's year. With a core group of stars and a solid junior-varsity lineup, the Red Devils are favorites. But, as their coach Justin Judkins knows, the road is never that easy.

"I think that it's going to come down to a handful of matches, really," said Judkins. "This is a team that has a lot of heart. Hopefully that is what will carry us through to a state championship."

Springville has two returning state champions in Kolby Bradley (119 pounds) and Jason Chamberlain (140), while Logan Wilson (125) finished second in 2006.

A few other state placers from last year are in the mix, but Judkins believes that the championship will be decided by his younger wrestlers, not his stars.

"It's going to come to who gets the bonus points and what JV come through for each team," said Judkins. "Our studs are going to come through. It's just a matter of the other guys coming in and getting the other points, too."

Elsewhere in 4A, Lehi capped off a solid year with a second-place finish at the Region 7 tournament, and has its sights set on a high finish at state. Jacob Sasser (152) and Tucker Nielson (215) are the stars for the Pioneers.

Provo's David Ojuka (160) is also one of the favorites to win his weight division.

In 5A, Pleasant Grove isn't expected to do much better than its fifth-place finish a year ago but has several wrestlers vying for individual championships.

"I think we can place a lot of our guys," said Vikings' assistant coach Chris Burton. "I'd really like to see a lot of our guys up there on the medal stands. As a team, it just depends on the day. I think it's reasonable to go top five in state."

Mitch Sanderson (171) returns after winning state in 2006. Keola Goodman (112), Bo Beckman (135) and Nick Fullmer (215) should also be in the mix.

Spanish Fork's young lineup had surprising success at the region tournament. The Dons, along with Lone Peak, could make some noise in the standings and bring home individual titles as well.

For the Knights, Paul Johnson (119), Blake Mangum (130) and Chase Stilson (140) are the headliners. Spanish Fork has high hopes for Kaleb Ashworth (112) and Rodney Cox (135).

Other 5A wrestlers to keep an eye on are Mountain View sophomore Jake Frederickson (103) and American Fork's Jade Anderson (145).