The seemingly never-ending winter hasn’t been kind to the spring sports season.

Record snowfall has made it difficult, if not impossible, for local boys soccer teams to play their scheduled games. Several postponements and cancellations have occurred, complicating matters and frustrating players and coaches.  

But the third week of April finally saw some springlike weather, allowing Region 5 action to begin. Here’s a look at what to expect. 

Viewmont

The Vikings are coming off a three-way tie for first place in Region 5, having gone 6-4 along with Northridge and Bonneville in 2022. The Vikings started this region season off with a 3-1 loss to Bountiful on March 29.

Viewmont has a nice blend of experienced varsity players and newcomers. Ten seniors are on the roster, including midfielder McKay Stacey, who led the team with three goals during non-region play. Another key senior is Cole Halterman, a forward who has had two assists in the early going. The Vikings also have 10 juniors on the squad, some of whom will have bigger roles in region play than they did last year. 

With the Utah High School Activities Association using a ratings point index (RPI) to determine playoff seeding (which incorporates overall record and strength of schedule), region standings aren’t as critical. However, this doesn’t mean head coach Spencer Keddington and his squad doesn’t put importance on working toward a Region 5 title. The Vikings could be in the mix for the top spot by the time region play ends May 5. 

Viewmont will play each of its five league opponents twice. The Class 5A state tournament begins the second week of May. 

Bountiful

The Redhawks had some struggles last year, finishing last in Region 5 with a 3-7 mark. But things are already looking up this season. 

Bountiful had a solid defense a year ago, allowing just 1.3 goals per game. This season, through four games, the Redhawks surrendered just three goals. With defense continuing to be a strength, the team will look to bolster its offense, which had some difficulties finding the net last season. Javier Moreno, Elias Pacheco and Raymond Robinson each have two goals so far. Moreno has added a team-high three assists. Each will be critical for the Redhawks and their bid to improve in region standings this season. 

The defense has a number of contributors, but goalkeeper Nash McReynolds has stood out for head coach Lou Planck’s squad. 

Bountiful made it to the second round of the playoffs last season, scoring a win over Jordan in round one and losing to Provo. The Redhawks host Woods Cross May 5 to wrap up region play. 

Woods Cross

The Wildcats were fifth in Region 5 a year ago with a 4-6 record. Third-year head coach David Newman is optimistic that he will see an improved finish this time around. He has some talented players to work with. 

Seniors Nate Blanchard and Bracken Hess, a forward and senior, respectively, are experienced leaders. Blanchard had four goals through the first five games after scoring five last season. 

A strong group of juniors have also helped get the team off to a 4-1 record in non-region action. In those games, the Wildcats outscored the competition by a combined 10-4. Zach Despain and Aidan Moore, two of the key juniors, have controlled the midfield. Junior defenders Josh Tibbitts and Gage Gardner has helped keep other teams’ offenses at bay. Goalkeeper Brayden Lloyd got two shutouts against non-region foes. He’s in his first year as a starter, taking over from the graduated Michael Williams, who posted five shutouts in the net a year ago.

The Wildcats have a full slate of 10 region contests. By the time the region season wraps up, Newman and his squad hope to have a favorable playoff seed, perhaps even hosting a first-round game or securing a bye. λ