Region play begins for the Davis baseball team in April. The non-league slate has been good to the Darts, as they jumped out to a 5-0 record. 

Coming off a 12-18 record in 2023, Davis knew it had some improvements to make. But with some key returning starters and talented newcomers to bolster the lineup, maybe it shouldn’t be a huge surprise that Davis has had some early success. Head coach Josh Godfrey believes in his team and has some lofty goals.

“There are high expectations for this team with a lot of returning players from last year who played varsity,” he said. “We believe we can compete for a region championship and make a run in state.”

The Darts defeated Woods Cross 11-4 on March 14, followed by a 6-2 victory over Box Elder March 15. After beating Skyline 10-8 on March 16, Davis won a pair of games by identical 9-8 scores, outlasting Clearfield and Copper Hills March 18 and 20, respectively. In those games, Godfrey has been impressed with his team, at the plate, on the mound and in the field. 

“We are a very good defensive team, and we have a pretty experienced pitching staff,” he said. “We also have good team speed as well. Hitting so far has been a bright spot this year.”

Godfrey would like to see his team get better at hitting when runners are in scoring position. He also wants his pitchers to cut down on the number of walks they are allowing. To achieve the Darts’ goals of competing at state, Godfrey said hard work and team unity are critical. These are areas the team has worked on since before the season began. 

“For us, a region championship and getting to UVU in the state tournament are our main goals,” he said. “We have worked really hard this winter. We have to continue to grow together as a team and support each other and celebrate each other successes.”

Several players have stood out so far this season. 

Godfrey loves the play of junior pitcher Wally Grant, a three-year starter who also plays first base. Senior shortstop Max Hunter, who had six doubles in the first five games, has come up big for the Darts. Junior centerfielder Owen Talbot is another player to watch, as is sophomore Kaleb Weaver, a pitcher and third baseman. Fellow pitcher Andrew Filimoehala is a three-year starter. 

“[Grant] is a team leader and one of the top first basemen in the state defensively and has led our team in hitting the last two years,” Godfrey said. “He’s a real gamer. [Hunter] is a great fielder and hitter. [Talbot] is a great hitter and defensive outfielder. [Weaver] is one of the top sophomores in the state. He’s one of the top pitchers in the state and a great fielder and hitter. [Filimoehala] has college-level stuff.”

Davis will have to be on its game every day to compete at the top of Region 1, which features some tough competition. To prepare for region and the state tournament, the Darts went up against some capable non-region teams. They also participated in a tournament in California at the end of March against teams from the Golden state.

“Region 1 has shown so far that it will be a gauntlet this year with some great teams like Fremont, Syracuse and Layton,” Godfrey said. “With 6A now down to only 18 teams, no playoff series will be easy. We headed to California for a four-game tournament against some good Cali teams, which should give us a good idea where we are at heading into region play in a couple of weeks.”

Godfrey is in his eighth year as coach of the Darts. He has compiled a record of 83-71. He appreciates the players’ willingness to learn and loves their desire to compete.

“These players have bought into what we have tried to build these last eight months, and it has been amazing watching them come together,” he said. “They are hungry to win.”