Nov. 25, 2005: Deseret Morning News

Vikes' Hands Full This Year
by Michael Black

When a two-time defending state champion is only ranked as high as third in its own region, it means one of two things: either the champion has had a serious drop-off, or the competition has risen to meet the title holder.

"I think our region has some incredibly tough wrestlers," said Davis coach Alan Porter. "There are a lot of returning state-placers back at many of the schools, and there are going to be some really difficult duals going on this season."

Weber has been picked not only to finish first in the region, but is the top-ranked team in the state according to the coaches' preseason poll. The Warriors have two returning state champions in Shay Warren and Jorge Lopez. Those two can be counted on to rack up the team's points but are not the only wrestlers that will thrive for Weber.

Aaron Ross, Nate Hubbard, Josh Skoglie, Dustin Martin, Jaden Briskyand Lee Woolsey are all ranked in the top four in their respective weight classifications and could propel the Warriors to a title.

If Weber should falter, Northridge returns many talented grapplers and is ranked third in the state.

"This is the best returning team we've had," said Northridge coach Troy Brown. "If we stay healthy and excited through the season, we should make a run for a trophy.

The Knights are led by returning champ Mark Dennis and will look to the experience of placers Spencer Ito, Jesse Betts and Kendell Raddon.

Viewmont lost some quality champions, but the remaining wrestlers know how to get it done. The Vikings did not begin last season as favorites before coming back to win, so their fifth-spot ranking in the state will not bother them.

"Viewmont will still be right there," said Porter. "It is still the champion until someone knocks it off the top."

Stuart Johnson, Deseret Morning NewsMichael Watts of Riverton gets advantage over Viewmont's Spencer Smoot (red) in 5A state finals of 2005. Spencer Smoot, David Wiser, Richard Wingar and Travis Timothy are all in the top three of the rankings, and the amazing amount of depth the team displayed in winning the title last year will again keep the Vikings as contenders.

Davis is ranked sixth in the sate and will be led by Sean Porter, a two-time defending champion and looking to make it three.

"Sean is about the same only bigger," Alan said. "He hurt his thumb last year and did not get a chance to wrestle in any of the big off-season meets, so he may tell you he is a little behind, but I think he is just fine."

Along with Porter, the Darts have a few returning state-placers such as two-time placer Josh Baker. Rhett Keaton returns after last season's third-place finish while Spencer Evans and Austin Taylor placed last year. Davis may be strong at the top, but depth will be an issue.

"We have some good wrestlers, but compared to some of the others, we look pretty average," Alan said. "We will need our young guys to step up and learn and develop if we want to be competitive."

Clearfield is ranked fifth in the region, but that is still good enough to be the eighth-ranked team in the state. Nick Garcia, David Crow and Jesse Kearsley are all ranked in the top three and will lead the way.

Layton and Fremont round out the region, and although each has some great individual wrestlers, it will be hard for them to accumulate enough team-points to win a title.