American Fork Cavemen coach Davis Knight didn't get too excited when his team beat cross-town rival Lone Peak last week.
Yes, it was a big win for the student body and fans, but for the Cavemen team, it was just another step in preparation. Knight pointed out that the win did nothing to further his team's goal of getting to the state playoffs. To reach their goal, the Cavemen still need to beat teams like Spanish Fork, Timpview and Springville. That quest begins tomorrow night when they host the undefeated Red Devils in their Region 6 opener.
"That's going to be tough," Knight said. "It's going to be tough to get to the state playoffs even though we're 4-1."
Springville and Timpview are considered by most to be the league's two elite teams. So far they've romped over their opponents. But the Cavemen quietly put together a fairly impressive preseason. They battled Highland, the No. 2 ranked Class 4A team, evenly for two quarters in their only loss. They've played solid on both sides of the ball in their four wins.
The Springville game is key to American Fork's chances of winning the league title. It's very unlikely that the region champion will lose more than one game, if any. The Cavemen have a key factor in their favor — besides playing the Red Devils at home, they also get Timpview and Spanish Fork on their own turf.
The Red Devils have one of the state's top runners in Trevyn Smith. He's had two straight off games and is due to erupt for another big performance. But the key to Springville's success this season has been balance. Quarterback Scott Pickering is one of the valley's more effective leaders and has shown he can move the offense through the air — with his main targets being Bronson Lott and Tanner Rehrer. Springville's line is also one of the best around and the defense hasn't given up much.
The Cavemen will surely be fired up for their homecoming game, while Springville could be overlooking them in anticipation of the match-up next week with Timpview. However, it's unlikely that the Red Devils will want that big game spoiled by a poor performance at American Fork.
Rayburn's pick: Springville
PAYSON AT PROVO: Face it, the Bulldogs are rolling and overflowing with confidence. A visit from the frustrated Lions should do nothing to stop the new streak.
Rayburn's pick: Provo
MOUNTAIN VIEW AT LONE PEAK: This game could be a nail biter. The Bruins are heading to Highland fully expecting to win. They'll give it a good effort, but will probably come up a bit short.
Rayburn's pick: Lone Peak
SPANISH FORK AT TIMPVIEW: The T-Birds will be so excited to finally be playing on their own turf that they'll tear it up running up and down the field all game. We might see a thumping near the Thunderdome.
Rayburn's pick: Timpview
TIMPANOGOS AT PLEASANT GROVE: The Vikings have been underachievers all preseason. Getting a banged-up T-Wolves team at home might be the medicine to finally figure things out.
Rayburn's pick: Pleasant Grove
LEHI AT CARBON: The Pioneers would have to have another high turnover game to leave Dino land with a loss. Since the weather is forecasted to be fine, there's no reason why they should suffer from stone hands in this one.
Rayburn's pick: Lehi
OREM AT DELTA: The Tigers get one more warm-up game before the real stuff begins. Nate Jones should really have his passing game ready to go for league play after this game.
Rayburn's pick: Orem
RAYBURN'S RECORDS: Last week's picks — 6-1. Overall for 2004 — 30-6.
E-mail: jimr@desnews.com