The 2012 playoffs are here with some great match-ups in the first round. Here is a look at each game.
No. 1 Alta Hawks (16-1, 4-0) v. No. 4 Olympus Titans (6-7, 1-3)
These two teams met back on March 9 with the Hawks taking a 10-6 victory. The Hawks are undefeated in Utah with their only loss coming to Brophy Prep in Arizona.
Olympus Head Coach Walker Bateman: “Alta is a big, physical, well coached team. They pressure out on defense and have the athletes to do so. To beat Alta we have to match their physical style of play, we can’t let them push us around or intimidate us on the field. The Seniors are pumped because in the playoffs, it’s win or go home so they have the feeling it could be their last game if they don’t play their hearts out.”
No. 2 Juan Diego Soaring Eagle (13-2, 3-1) v. No. 3 Park City Miners (8-6, 2-2)
Juan Diego comes into the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Sandy Conference but were one goal away from being the No. 1 seed, losing to Alta in 4 overtimes. Juan Diego beat Park City last season 12-7. Park City has played three overtime games including a 4 overtime game against Brighton. The Miners lost all three of those games so they could easily be 11-3.
Park City Head Coach Andy Langendorf: “The matchup with Juan Diego is something we always look forward to. Their program is one of the best in the state, and it gives us a real measure of how we are doing up here in Park city. Juan Diego is solid all the way around, but their real strength is in the middle of the park. All of the Park city players love the rivalry that has existed for years between our two schools. It’s a healthy competitive environment between to disciplined programs.”
No. 2 Brighton Bengals (12-4, 3-1) v. No. 3 Bingham Miners (13-5, 2-2)
Brighton only has two losses in Utah, a 9-8 loss to Judge in OT and a 8-5 loss to Alta. In the regular season match-up, Brighton won 16-5. Bingham has lost to Judge, Desert Vista (AZ), Brighton, Alta and Juan Diego.
Brighton Head Coach Brandon Horoba: “This will be a tough game, with us already having met once this season we know how good they are and realize what a tough first round opponent this is. This should be a great game and looking over the brackets one of the toughest match ups. The playoffs aren’t easy it will take us playing 4 really good games to get another chance to hold up the trophy.”
Bingham Head Coach Marshall Kay: “This is a very difficult match up for both teams. We both do a lot of things very well. I think my players are excited to play a great team which put a licking on us last time. My seniors seem to be focused dialed in and ready to make a statement.”
No. 1 Judge Bulldogs (11-2, 4-0) v. No. 4 Copper Hills Grizzlies (8-9, 1-3)
These teams met on March 27 with the Bulldogs dominating, winning 17-3. However, Copper Hills was knocked out of the playoffs last year in 2 overtimes by Judge and will be hunting for revenge.
Judge Head Coach Dave Allen: “Copper Hills presents some problems for us because they win a lot of face-offs, which puts pressure on our defense. I’m sure Coach Evans will have his team prepared and the players will be up for the game, and I expect the score will much closer than the previous meeting this year. The team is pleased to win the conference, because I do not think we have ever done that before, but they know seeding position doesn’t mean anything once we start playing.”
Sandy v. Salt Lake
No. 1 Alta v. No. 4 Olympus – 7:00pm at Alta High School
No. 2 Juan Diego v. No. 3 Park City – 7:00pm at Juan Diego High School
No. 2 Brighton v. No. 3 Bingham – 7:00pm at Brighton High School
No. 1 Judge v. No. 4 Copper Hills – 5:00pm at Judge High School
