Football
Charles Henderson, Kearns (Sr.)
Charles Henderson, or Scooter as he’s known by his teammates, is tearing it up for the undefeated Cougars this year.
He’s among the state leaders in interceptions, which included a 102-yard pick-six in last Friday’s 44-19 win over Riverton.
In Week 1 he returned a blocked kick and an interception for a touchdown for Kearns in a win over Box Elder.
“Scooter has done really well on defense and special teams,” said Kearns coach Matt Rickards.
Girls Soccer
Lilly Kimball, Skyline (Sr.)
After dropping a pair of close games in mid-August, Skyline has reeled off five straight Region 6 wins and a big reason why is the play of Lilly Kimball.
Last week in Skyline’s 5-1 win over Highland, she scored two goals upping her season total to five. A year ago she scored seven goals, so she’s well on her way to eclipsing that mark.
“Amazing leader, brings a lot of energy to the team. Works extra hard, speedy wind player. While most of the players go home after practice, Lilly will stay additional time to practice on her shots,” said Skyline coach Yamil Castillo.
Volleyball
Hayden Goodman, Park City (Sr.)
One of the state’s top middle blockers, Hayden Goodman is a big reason why Park City is one of the favorites in 5A this year.
In five matches this season, the Santa Clara commit has 21 blocks, nine aces, 32 kills and has a .414 hitting percentage.
“Hayden embodies what it means to be a whole athlete. Her disciplined work ethic has helped her become the dynamic, offensive threat and the imposing, defensive force that she is today,” said Park City coach Matt Carlson. “Her presence is felt instantly when she steps on the court. Additionally, Hayden’s infectious drive has created this culture of athletes who are relentless in their pursuit of excellence. More importantly, her transformational leadership has helped shape the Park City volleyball program into something far greater - a unified family that loves and supports each other.”
Girls Cross Country
Sarah Galbraith, Springville (So.)
Only a sophomore and Sarah Galbraith has already established herself as one of the top players in 5A this fall.
Last weekend at the Wasatch Invitational on the challenging course at Soldier Hollow, Galbraith won her race with a time of 19:00.1. It was one of four different girls varsity races at Soldier Hollow last weekend,
“Sarah has always been a smart runner, but has really found herself this season. The Wasatch Invite course is a very tactical course and she ran it beautifully holding back on the first mile and then taking off on the last two,” said Springville coach Samantha Smith. “Last year as a freshman she relied a lot on the upperclassmen to guide her pace during races, but this year she has taken the reins herself and each meet is constantly trying to push herself to the next level. It will be exciting to see how the remainder of the season shakes out for her and our team.”
Boys Cross Country
Brayden Packard, American Fork (Sr.)
A senior move-in from Washington this summer, Brayden Packard is quickly established as the runner to beat in the 6A state meet this year.
He’s won back-to-back races, including a win at the Wasatch Invitational at Soldier Hollow this past Saturday.
On a very difficult course, Packard won with a time of 15:16.6, which was 10 seconds faster than the runner-up finisher from American Fork.
“Brayden has been consistently striving for excellence in practice, whether it has been on long runs, repeat workouts, or in the weight room. His success Saturday is a direct consequence of the hard work he has put in with his teammates,” said American Fork coach Timo Mostert.
Girls Tennis
Madi Brenchley, Ridgeline (Sr.)
A semifinalist in 4A second singles last year, Madi Brenchley has moved up to first singles this season and is having success competing at the highest level for Ridgeline her senior year.
“Madi Brenchley is set apart from other athletes by her sheer desire to constantly improve. As her coach I have always been impressed by her work ethic during practice, and also during matches,” said Ridgeline coach Ryan Cheney. “She uses setbacks as motivation to improve, not excuses, and it shows in her ever improving tennis game. She is a leader to her team mates and never hesitates to help them be better as well. She shows she cares about tennis but also shows support for everyone around her.”
So far in Region 11 play Brenchley owns a 3-3 record. Back in Brenchley’s sophomore year, she won the decisive singles match for Ridgeline to claim the 4A state title.
Boys Golf
Parker Reese, Lone Peak (Sr.)
Last year’s Region 4 medalist and then fourth-place finisher at state last year as a junior, Parker Reese is tearing it up again this year for the Knights.
His scoring average in three region meets so far this year is 69. Last year he won the Region 4 title with a 69.5 scoring average.
“Parker is the greatest competitor I have ever met. I have been lucky to be his super league baseball coach from age 8-14 and his golf coach the last two years. Physically he checks all the boxes, but mentally Parker is a man among boys. Nothing rattles him. No one can outdo him. He may not win every match, but if you are lucky enough to beat him, he will do whatever it takes to beat you at the next match. No one is better,” said Lone Peak coach Chad Christofferson.