Davis High School set the standard around the state for its premier golf program by winning four straight state titles from 1999-2003.
Over the past four years, the Darts haven't quite lived up to the lofty standards they had set for themselves previously. They'd like to put themselves on the map once again in 2007, and they have the players to do it. But it takes more than a few ringers to be successful in team golf. It isn't extraordinary talent that propels teams to golf glory, it's talent plus depth.
For the first time since 2003 — the Darts' last title year — the brown and gold have this combination joining them at the tee box. Led by Dustin and Taylor Haws, the Darts have plenty of game from tee to green to make noise at the 5A level. Players expected to contribute this year include Shane Jensen, Luke Crapo, Chase Flint, Brad Cannon and Carl Hafen. Along with the Haws brothers, this group has the swagger that invites success to follow, and it plans on turning back the clock to the glory years now almost five years past.
The Darts may climb this fall as they close in on Fremont, the Region 1 heavyweight. One possible downside for Davis could be its lack of experience with important matches. Only a few of the Darts have varsity experience on the golf course, but they're hoping talent will outweigh the nerves of a high school golf match. For Davis to overcome defending champ Fremont, the Darts will need everything to click, and a lot of birdies along the way.
To the dismay of the other schools in Region 1, the Fremont Silver Wolves return a group that took state two years ago and placed second last year. In fact, in 2006 three schools from Region 1 finished in the top five at state: Fremont (second), Weber (fourth), and Northridge (fifth). Usually in high school golf it takes a year or two to reload after such impressive showings the previous year, but that's not the case in 2007. Region 1 is expected to continue to set the pace for 5A golf, with Fremont leading the pack.
The strength behind Fremont's supremacy is in its "Big 4." Denny Job, Jordan Herzog, Patrick Fishburn and Cody Wass are back. With another year of seasoning under their belts they'll show just how good they are in 2007. If these four are chasing pins, which they're accustomed to, nobody will touch them once again. Prepare for more red numbers this season.
The Northridge Knights are coming off of a fifth-place finish from last year's state tournament, which was somewhat of a surprise around the state. However, the Knights didn't seem as surprised as everyone else. In 2007, players like Michael Harris, Scott Odekirk, Eric Wright, Alex Sutton, Tyler Kenny, Kody Canales and Ryan Hirschi are back, and they all have enough ability to put a good year together. With good talent and adequate experience, the Knights will compete with Davis for the second place spot in Region 1.
Another school ready for the season is newcomer Syracuse. The Titans have a solid golf team for 2007. The new school has thrown itself into the Region 1 talk thanks to golfers Devon Purser, Jonathan Thomas, Cole Ogden, Nathan Silberman and Tre Jordan. The Titans could be a sleeping giant in Region 1, thanks to the freshness of their school. Syracuse is good enough to compete and will battle for that second spot in Region 1.
After a stellar battle with Fremont the past two years, the Weber Warriors have finally lost some big guns. However, they'll still throw out aces like Zak Sheperd, Nick Thongrit, Dalton Musgrave and Taylor Garner, but team depth will keep them from another showdown with the Silver Wolves. The Warriors will battle for second place.
One of the most improved teams this year will be the Layton Lancers. The Lancers have improved their squad for the upcoming year, and Brennan Coburn, Nick Flores and Riley Nalder are capable players for Layton. Depth will once again be an issue and will keep the Lancers from making a run in 2007, but they will be better than they have been over the past couple years. Layton should finish sixth in Region 1.
Two teams that are stuck rebuilding this year are the Viewmont Vikings and the Clearfield Falcons. Both teams are young and inexperienced, two things that don't bode well in high school golf. However, Eric North, Skyler Martensen, Charles Riddle and Craig Bednar of Viewmont and Chase Jones and Cordin Lynch of Clearfield are good players that will try and reach the state tournament as school representatives.
Region 1 golf preview
Region 1 rankings
When the last putt drops, Region 1 will shake down something like this, with the real battle amongst schools vying for that second-place spot:
1. FREMONT: Just too much talent coming back. Will compete for second state title in three years.
2. DAVIS: Young but ready to become elite once again. Will win close battle for second.
3. NORTHRIDGE: Steady group back after 5th at state in 2006.
4. SYRACUSE: New school brings a lot of game to the course, could be a sleeper.
5. WEBER: Lost some heavy hitters, but still dangerous and good enough to compete.
6. LAYTON: Improved from last year, but still not ready to make a run.
7. VIEWMONT: The Vikings are stuck rebuilding and won't challenge this year.
8. CLEARFIELD: Lost ringer Cole Ogden to Syracuse. Also rebuilding in 2007.