The Clearfield Falcons' unexpected two-game sweep over Fremont last week put them back in the playoff picture through Monday.
    Ricky Nope pitched solid, going five innings and striking out seven. They also split the Davis series, where Dirk Barber came through yet again - going 3-for-5 in the 4-2 win. The senior supplies the offense that's struggling through the season, averaging just over four runs a contest.
    Nope is the fixer on the mound, but there is a slight drop-off after the southpaw thrower. Even with the recent success, it'll be a daunting task indeed to catch either Weber or Fremont, but if they do, it's a nice sendoff for this senior duo.
   
    Northridge
   
    What's it like pitching for Class 5A's most prolific offense (10.3 runs per game)? A huge relief. This according to Dustin Christensen who needed a few extra runs last week against rival Layton. Although they allowed six Lancer runs, the Knights bats once again came alive to produce a late inning comeback.
    "We don't feel like we're ever out of it when [the offense] can put up six-or-seven run innings in any game," he said.
    Northridge continues to find hidden gems. Austin Esplin, a senior, hit his first home run against Layton standout Gavin Green in last week's win.
    A first-time starter, Esplin is an example of
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how deep this lineup really goes. Coach Allen Kawaguchi credits Esplin, and his senior-laden lineup for its dominance at the plate. Adding he believes this roster can compete with anybody in state. We'll find out this coming week.
   
    Layton
   
    Credit the Lancers for making things interesting again in Region 1. After defeating rival Northridge 6-2 last week, Viewmont pulled even with the Knights at 11-1 for the region lead, setting up a final two Ðgame showdown earlier this week between the two region leaders.
    As for Layton, its 8-4 mark (through Monday) was two games better then closest competitor Fremont, securing the Lancers a No. 3 playoff spot. That's an achievement in itself, considering Layton finished last a season ago at 4-8.