In no place was it more true than in Region 2. After surviving the ups and downs of region play, the defending state championship team has secured a second-place finish in the region behind Brighton and, as of Monday, was awaiting the announcement of their first round opponent.

"We are extremely excited," said Herrin. "Still, we're just going to take it one at a time."

The Beetdiggers have a proven lineup in Jake Husted, Marcus Christensen, and Winston Haycock to continue to offer the experience they gained from last year's championship run in this years' run at a second straight state title.

"We're just going to play in the same way that got us here," said Herrin.

Riverton

The Riverton boys' soccer team has accomplished all it can up to this point in the season. Last week it clinched the Region 3 title for the second straight year.

Still, one question remains for the Silverwolves: Are they capable of winning games against teams in Region 1 and 2? During the preseason, Riverton lost to Region 2's Alta and Brighton, presenting doubt for the Silverwolves chance at a state title.

"Our region is perceived as being weaker," said coach Paul Moizer. "We are a little unsure of how we stack up."

Since those early season losses, however, Riverton has been on a roll and now carries the momentum of an 8-0-1 region record. Riverton's senior core of Ryan Smith, Nate Swank, Bronson Rosewood and Zach Dunn continue to lead the way with solid play on both sides of the ball.

"[Those guys] put their hearts and souls into the games," said Moizer.

Moizer also expects Jake Sorenson and Mike Rigby to pick up their scoring as teams start to key more on Smith during the state tournament.

In the first round, Riverton will face the fifth place team from Region 1.

"If we play well, we can compete with anyone," said Moizer. "We'll play one game at a time and see how things go."

Alta

The Alta boys' soccer team has had a less than perfect season. In fact, things were looking downright unfortunate for the Hawks following early region losses to Brighton, Skyline, and Taylorsville.

Those losses put Alta's reputation as a perennial postseason presence at risk until last week, when the Hawks scored two big wins against Skyline and Taylorsville to snag their spot in the state tournament.

Alta was able to fend off an up-and-coming Skyline team to find its way into the postseason. The Hawks have a deep offensive line led by Richard Harrison, who has racked up eight goals in region play.