Back to normal: After a crazy 2007, traditional powers are favorites again

Week after week, the 2007 prep boys soccer season yielded unpredictability.

From Region 1 to Region 17, upsets were to be had everywhere. By the time it had ended, dogged Grantsville had snapped a 119-game region losing streak, Region 1 had ended with every single team tied with at least one other team, the state's two long semifinal appearance streaks — held by 3A's Park City and 5A's Brighton — had both been snapped, and other strange and wacky things had taken place.

But 2008 promises to be an entirely different proposition.

Though it's still early and we'll get a much more complete picture of the state once teams have entered region play, there are some signs pointing to the return of normalcy.

With two weeks of the young season gone and with a whole lot of soccer left to be played, here is a closer look at each classification:

CLASS 5A: Don't be surprised if the big boys are in charge here.

Early on, the big three of Region 2 — No. 1 Jordan, the defending champ, No. 2 Brighton and No. 4 Alta — have all shown signs of leading the way in 5A.

To be fair, Jordan and Alta haven't been tested in the same way that Brighton has, but if things continue the way they've gone early, the home-and-away battles between those three could be ridiculously entertaining.

Add to that the fact that the UHSAA, in its infinite wisdom, is only giving Region 2 three postseason spots this season and that Taylorsville, Skyline and Hillcrest have all played well early, and the mantra of getting points any way you can could reach a whole new meaning.

Jake Hustedt, the reigning 5A MVP, is widely regarded as the top player in the state and will pace Jordan. Travis Barton and Mike Nielsen will lead Brighton, while midfielder Justin Staples and forward Richard Harrison will lead Alta.

Besides Region 2, expect the heavyweights from Region 1 — third-ranked Davis, Viewmont, Layton and Weber — to be statewide contenders as well. All four of those teams have vast playoff experience, are full of talented players and know what it takes to win when it matters.

CLASS 4A: From top to bottom, you could argue that 4A has the deepest classification in the state, purely from the standpoint that all three 4A regions will be very competitive and all should feature statewide contenders.

Some of the faces have changed at Bountiful High, home of the defending 4A champs, but the expectation for success remains.