Nothing about the situation Alta finds itself in is new to the Hawks.
For the third consecutive year, the 5A powerhouse enters the season as the defending state champion. Being the hunted favorite is a role Alta has grown accustomed to playing. And, like it or not, it is a role the Hawks will be filling all season long.
"We try to focus one game at a time because, every game, we know the other team isn't just going to lay down and die because we're Alta," senior forward Kealia Ohai said. "We know we have to play hard every single game."
Alta's chances of earning its fourth straight 5A girls soccer title are boosted considerably by Ohai's presence. Entering her final season with the Hawks, Ohai has accomplished about everything a high school player could accomplish. She has led the state in scoring two straight years, enjoyed a stint with the U.S. National team and committed to play for North Carolina.
"You watch a game and you know what kind of player she is," Hawks coach Lee Mitchell said. "But, there again, she would be the first one to tell you she can't do it alone."
Ohai does not need to worry about being a one-woman team. Alta is stocked with talent at virtually every position. A major source of strength is at goalkeeper, where Tashia Long returns after anchoring a defense that did not allow a single goal during last year's 5A tournament.
The biggest challengers to Alta's 5A supremacy could come from its own region. More than any other region in the state, Region 4 is loaded with teams capable of making a state title run.
Brighton returns several contributors on offense and defense — including junior playmaker Stephanie Verdoia. Lone Peak will be in the mix, with talented players like Raven King and McKenna Fox leading the way.
Region 1 looks strong as well. Davis sports a high-scoring offense — led by forwards Katie Taylor and Kenzie Harrison — that has produced 29 goals in just four games. Both Fremont and Layton are in the mix as well. An early season surge put the Lancers a step ahead in the region title chase. The Silver Wolves are a factor with many contributors — including leading scorer Taylor Ivins — back from last season.
Bonneville faces a rougher road than Alta in its own quest to repeat as 4A state champion.
The Lakers are no longer the plucky underdogs. But considering Bonneville a runaway favorite in a classification that grew significantly harder with the addition of '08 playoff teams Lehi, Logan, Timpanogos, Ogden and Salem Hills is difficult. The Lakers are aware new and old 4A teams alike want to take them down.
"It's going to be a lot more difficult," Bonneville junior Jaiden Thornock said. "We're going to have to work a lot harder because we have people coming after us instead of us going after the other teams."
Region 6 possesses a host of title contenders. East features an explosive offense powered by Tessa Nicolaides and Saralynn Drury. Highland returns top forward Ali Siegendorf and top defender Kacee Patrick. Bountiful has not skipped a beat early in the season, with Felicia Sturgeon and Hannah Marble leading the way.
Woods Cross has already staked out a claim as the region's best. The Wildcats, led by talented senior Kendra Pemberton, already own victories over Bonneville and Bountiful.
Region 7 should also be tough as nails. Timpanogos returns top scorers Gel Dickinson and Marissa Nimmer. Lehi has a tough defense and senior standouts Briar Sands and Kyleigh Royall. Orem returns the bulk of a team that allowed just five goals last season.
Whoever survives 4A will definitely have earned it.
"You have to be in top form — like we proved last year — going into the playoffs," Bonneville coach Lane Barker said. "You have to be running on all cylinders. Everyone has to be healthy. And you've got to have a little luck."
One thing is certain looking at 3A. There will be a new state champion since realignment moved Waterford, last year's champ, down to the 2A ranks.
Judge Memorial and Juan Diego appear to be the early favorites in 3A. The Bulldogs are rolling early behind the efforts of super sophomore Danielle Gaztambide and talented seniors like Kiersten Berg and Natalie Warner. The Soaring Eagle return several contributors from the team that reached the semifinals a year ago and have a freshman in Emily Bruder who has made a huge impact in several preseason matches.
Canyon View could also be a major factor out of Region 9. The Falcons return goalkeeper Danielle Wynn, the state leader in shutouts a year ago, and have a capable scoring threat in Cedar transfer Allison Freire.
In 2A, the battle for the crown will like be a two-team race between the Ravens and defending 2A champ St. Joseph. Several key players — including Hailey Karg, Cami Phillips and Taylor Ritzman — return for the Ravens. But the Jayhawks also return the bulk of their championship squad, including 2A MVP Ivee Barton. Given how both teams have performed against higher classifications, the rest of 2A will likely be a couple steps behind come playoff time.
e-mail: jcoon@desnews.com