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Show -Braves, Wildcats victorious in contrasting semifinal battles play in the championship," Rigby said. After playing to a scoreless tie in the first half, Winquist put the 'Cats in front three minutes into the final stanza. Unfortunately, the advantage advan-tage was shortlived as Judge's Jamey Sage retaliated five minutes later to knot the score. Neither team scored in the first overtime, but the deadlock was broken early in the second session. Jason Feil's goal two minutes into the period proved to be the game winner for the Wildcats. "We did something out of the ordinary. Instead of packing the defense, we went for the win," said Rigby. "It was a gamble, but the kids just stepped it up a notch. ' Judge coach John Ouellette said, "Both teams were excellent and I thought it was a good game. ' BOUNTIFUL 6, West 7 By DIRK FACER Sports Editor Q WOODS CROSS Bountiful continued its march toward Repeat City Thursday with a 6-1 blowout of West in the 3A state semifinals. Senior Sean Bromley scored four goals as the Braves earned another trip to the finals. "These kids want it. They really want it," said Bountiful coach Dave Wigham. "And Bromley is unreal. I can't say enough about Bromley, (John) Hartey and (John) Barlow's leadership." Hartey added a goal of his own in addition to providing several key assists for the Braves. Meanwhile, Barlow, who has recorded 10 shutouts as Bountiful's goalkeeper this season, nearly had No. 1 1 until Seth Meng scored on a penalty kick 28 minutes into the second half. "I'm very delighted to come this far. I'm really proud of my team," said West coach Kareem Merdenlou. "We played against the greatest team we have faced this year. I respect them dearly and I'm glad we lost to the best team." It didn't take long for Bountiful, both offensively and defensively, to flex its muscle against the Panthers. On the game's opening sequence, Bromley quickly put the Braves in front 1 -0. Fifteen minutes later, Bromley took a pass from Hartey and scored again. Bountiful's final goal before halftime came courtesy of Hartey who scored at the 23-minute 23-minute mark. In the second half it was like "deja vu all over again" for the Panthers. Eric Seljaas made it 4-0 with a goal just 15 seconds into the half. Enter Bromley. Again and again. The talented senior scored two goals in 30 seconds just 10 minutes into the final half. He then left the game and never returned, missing the final 30 minutes of play. L Bountiful then cleared the bench and began making plans for ; Friday's showdown with Woods 1 Cross. ; "I don't know if we can play any j better," said Wigham. "If we do, ! no one can beat us. ' ' ; After disposing of the Panthers, r Bountiful remained just one game shy of becoming the first team to repeat as state soccer champs since Woods Cross posted four straight titles from 1984-87. WX 2. Judge HOT) By DIRK FACER Sports Editor WOODS CROSS Wildcat coach Kevin Rigby put it all in perspective Tuesday night. "I guess all's well that ends well," he said after his Woods Cross team had beaten Judge 2-1 in overtime. The 3A state semifinal victory gave the Wildcats a chance to avenge last season's championship champion-ship game loss to rival Bountiful. "We did what we should have and that is play with intensity," Rigby said. Such focus paid off in a big way against the Bulldogs. Late in regulation, the Wildcats lost sophomore Cameron Winquist to a red card after he ran over Judge goalie Eric Byrne. Winquist, who will miss the state championship game because of the violation, had scored Woods Cross' only goal in regulation and his departure left the 'Cats shorthanded down the stretch. But instead of folding, Win-quist's Win-quist's teammates rose to the occasion. occa-sion. "I told our kids to quit griping and play," Rigby said. "If anyone else was going to get red-carded I just as soon it be me. ' ' Irate over what he called a case of "mistaken identity," Rigby made his feelings known. He said the officials ousted Winquist too quickly. Apparently, thinking Winquist Win-quist was yellow-carded, which he was not, earlier. "He's been robbed of a chance to i " V- 1 . . o rr gF'r v "' WW's"-" '4 TWIST AND SHOUT: Bountiful's John Hartey (4) and company com-pany dominated West 6-1 in semifinal action Thursday. The win sent the Braves to Friday's 3A championship game. STANDSTILL: Devon Gibby (33) of Woods Cross battles a Judge Bulldog for control of the ball in 3A semifinal action Thursday. The Wildcats triumphed 2-1. |