In many sports, superior size is a big advantage. Linemen and tall receivers are prized in football, post players are valued in basketball, and even baseball admires burly, powerful hitters and tall pitchers.

But such is not necessarily the case in the world of wrestling, particularly in Region 7.

"Our strength is in the lower weights," Springville head coach Justin Judkins said. "In those classes we have a phenomenal team. It's our upper weights that lack experience."

The Red Devils aren't the only squad with talented smaller athletes. Lehi and Payson both boast big-time wrestlers in those areas as well.

Leading the way for the Pioneers will be senior Matt Spencer in the 119-pound division, with junior Cam Phillips battling at the 130-pound level, senior Bryce Phillips looking for success at 135 pounds and senior Riley Sullivan coming in at 140 pounds.

"We're hoping to compete for the region title," said Lehi head coach Dave Rice. "We want to be competitive and to do that we need to get more focused."

The Lions will put plenty of tough, talented kids on the mat as well, including senior Taggart Miller, sophomore Jace Harmon and freshmen Brock Brown and Colton Cannon.

But Springville has something the other programs don't: A pair of two-time state champions in junior Jason Chamberlain and senior Kolby Bradley.

"They (the wrestlers) get to work with the best people in the state in practice," Judkins explained. "Those two started as the nucleus that we've built around.

"They know what they're doing and our practices are brutal. They've been there before and they know what it takes, and it brings everyone up to a new level."

Chamberlain and Bradley get plenty of help from their Red Devil teammates like senior Logan Wilson, senior Jacob Rawle and senior Danny Hickman, who also have been nearly impossible to beat in the early going this winter.

"I think we have the toughest lower weights in the state, regardless of class," Judkins said. "I just hope we peak at the right time, at the end so we can win a state title."

But the Lions and the Pioneers plan to give Springville a run for their money during region competition and at state.

"My kids have a good work ethic and are strong," Rice said. "They're tough and conditioned, but right now we're not believing we can do it, that we have what it takes. That's what we're going to work on."

Judkins said he thinks Payson will be very competitive as well.

"It's going to depend on how they match up," the Springville head coach said. "Sometimes they start the meet in the upper weights and teams will think they've got us, only to see us catch up and pass them in the lower weights. I think they might be our toughest test though."

That trio looks to be the class of the region, as Provo and Orem both appear to be down this year and Timpview didn't have enough interest to field a team for the 2006-07 season. Provo senior David Ojuka is an athlete to keep an eye on, one that could be going for an individual title at state this year.