South-valley teams aim to continue lacrosse dominance

The Utah high school lacrosse title regularly comes from a team in the south valley. In 2007, the traditional powers aim to make sure that doesn't end.

Waterford, Alta, Bingham, Juan Diego, Jordan and Riverton all count themselves among the best lacrosse teams in the state and are each doing little to dispel that notion.

"Our expectations are to win our conference and play deep into the state tournament. We started the season slowly last year and finished up winning five of the last six through hard work and increased intensity in practice and games," Alta coach Taylor Cotterell said. "This increased our confidence and expectations coming into the 2007 season."

Meanwhile, the Silverwolves at Riverton hope to join the big-boys club and are playing well as the season enters its second month.

"I feel we will be one of the teams to beat this year. I feel we have more individual athletic talent than we have ever had," said a confident Riverton coach Jason Wiscott. "Our defense is real physical and has shown that you will pay the price if you come near the crease, which will make some teams scoring threats pass the ball rather than get hit. As always, we play clean but fight for every ball."

Bingham took its share of lumps a year ago, but coach Mark Roothoff said the Miners are a better, more experienced team this year.

"After a very disappointing season last year our boys came back to practice this year with incredible focus and resolve," Roothoff said. "If we are able to get the ball into the offensive end of the field, we should be a very good team."

Waterford gets is due share of preseason respect, of course, but Alta appears ready to challenge the Ravens for division supremacy.

"We have midfielders that can control the field, attackmen that can possess the ball and score, and defensemen that can lock people down," Cotterell said. "The challenge will be integrating the three areas of the game."

Here's a brief look at each team in Division A South:

ALTA: The Hawks are widely considered one of the favorites to rule the southern half of Division A. Led by Josh Snyder, Landon Smith and Chandler Sehlmeier in the midfield, Alta has skill in excess. An offensive attack featuring Chris Nash, Sean Peterson and Tyson McDonald will also keep the Hawks alive in games while defender Colton Hansen and goalie Blake Bowen have Alta off to a great start for coach Taylor Cotterell.