High school soccer: Undefeated Darts roll past rival Vikings

BOUNTIFUL — On some levels, it was ludicrous that the Davis Darts even had any naysayers heading into their huge rivalry showdown at arch-nemesis Viewmont.

After all, the second-ranked Darts had literally done almost nothing wrong throughout the opening month and a half of the season. They had a perfect 10-0 record, they had an amazing 39-1 goal differential and they hadn't allowed a goal in a logic-defying 723 minutes.

But for whatever reason, Davis' players still had plenty of doubters when they walked on the field Friday afternoon at Viewmont High.

Some said they'd been on the receiving end of a lot of luck, that they hadn't played anyone good and that, in general, they were nothing more than a paper tiger.

Well, maybe the Darts have gotten some breaks so far this season, but rest assured, this bunch is anything but a paper tiger.

Davis' players proved as much with a terrific performance Friday afternoon.

Playing with a confidence that is fast becoming the trademark of this team as Davis beat its arch-rival 2-0 on Friday.

Star striker Casey Black continued his incredible streak of having scored in every game this season by finding the back of the net in the first half, and the Darts added a crucial second goal midway through the second half en route to a 2-0 victory over the Vikes.

"In some people's minds — not our ours but other people's — the jury was still out about how good we were and if we deserved the record we had," said Davis coach Souli Phongsavath. "But I think if you watch the game today, there shouldn't be a doubt in anybody's mind that, the way these boys work and the way they've come together, these boys can play with anybody."

With the win, Davis took an enormous step toward winning Region 1 for the second year in a row. The Darts lead second-place Viewmont by six points with five games to go and crucially have a game-in-hand against Clearfield. On top of playoff implications Friday, Davis shut out its 10th opponent in a row to move within a game of the state record and hasn't allowed a goal in a 803 minutes, which is 171 minutes away from the state record.

"We had a great practice yesterday — probably one of the best ones that we've had — and we knew we had what it took to come in here and pull out a victory," said Black, who has now scored 18 goals in 11 games. "What do you know? We came in and did what we usually do, and we kept 'em at zero, even."

The point that Black made about the Darts believing can't be overstated. The Darts may not have the most technically gifted team in the history of the world — though Black is about as gifted as anyone in the state — but they believe.