Playoffs Start NOW

The 2011 Playoffs start Wednesday, May 18th, the Pioneers will see Mountain Crest in the first game, which will be played at 6:30 pm at Pioneer Stadium in Lehi.  Mountain Crest met in Logan on April 2nd and the Lehi was able to pull out the victory in double overtime 2-1.  Logan Cottle scored the game winner in the 5th minute of the double overtime period. See HERE for the article in April.  To view the 4A bracket click HERE

LLOYD: Can Salem Hills challenge Lehi in 4A boys soccer?

Lehi has established itself as one of the best boys soccer programs in the state and the Pioneers are once again on track to win a region title and to defend their 2010 state championship.

It doesn't hurt that they play in a region that has seen a lot of successful soccer as teams like Mountain View, Orem, Timpanogos, Provo and Timpview have all had their share of solid teams over the past few years.

But, as I saw Tuesday, a new force is emerging in the 4A ranks and it's coming from an unlikely location.

The southern end of Utah Valley traditionally dominates in baseball and softball, but not in boys soccer. Springville has been the only team to regularly put a dangerous team on the field.

That's one of the reasons that this year's Salem Hills squad is really making a statement. After losing a few in the preseason, the Skyhawks have been on a tear recently including knocking off the Red Devils.

I saw them take down Maple Mountain and I came away impressed. They not only have drive and determination, they've got a lot of very skilled players. As Salem Hills team manager Hunter McKay observed as he watched the game progress, "It's like an elegant dance on the grass under the lights."

I really like the talent and versatility that the Skyhawks have in the midfield and I thought the defense played very well, but I still think the Pioneers have the better overall team so I'm not handing Salem Hills a state crown just yet.

But I do think the Skyhawks are continuing to get better and that makes them more dangerous as the weeks progress.

Still, if both teams play to form, win their respective regions and advance through the first round of the state tournament, that would set up to be an intriguing quarterfinal matchup.

Jared Lloyd can be reached at jlloyd@heraldextra.com.