Journey to the Top: Prep Sports
Blog by Bill Oram
After Bingham's 49-28 win over the Hawks Saturday night at Rice-Eccles Stadium, the losing fans were calling into radio talk shows asking one question, “What needs to be fixed so our team will start winning.”
The answer is as simple as the question is silly: Nothing.
Alta lost in consecutive weeks to Cottonwood and Bingham — no shame in either of those — and is at risk of losing a third time this week when it hits the road against four-time 4A defending state champs Timpview.
This is typical Alta and typical Les Hamilton, the coach who takes care of the scheduling. Last year, Alta played the same preseason slate, losing to Bingham, but beating Timpview and Cottonwood.
Problem is, all three of those teams are better this year. Because of that, Alta eventually will be, too.
“I think we'll get better as the year progresses,” Hamilton said.
Of course the Hawks will, but especially because of the tough preseason gauntlet. 0-2, or even 0-3, is not a death knell for Alta's season. In 2005, Hamilton's first year, Alta started 0-3 before rallying for a state semifinal appearance. In 2006,the Hawks started 0-2, including a 28-12 thrashing by Bingham, but played the Miners to a close 21-19 game in the state championship.
Point is, if Bingham — ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps.com — will be beaten this year, Alta is the most likely candidate to do it. The teams have played each other nine times since 2006, and if anybody can game plan for the Miners, it's Hamilton. Especially now that he's seen the 2010 edition.
Quarterback Boston Handley looks as good as any Alta quarterback in recent years, and the Hawks hung with Bingham through about three quarters up at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
At face value, the tough Alta schedule seems like a death wish. In the end, however, it offers a shot at renewed life later in the season.
— Bill Oram
Bill Oram writes about all aspects of high school sports for the Tribune. He finally made varsity when he was given his very own blog.
http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogs/preps/50191220-52/alta-bingham-hamilton-hawks.html.csp
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