Another Alta-Bingham story leading MaxPreps‘ coverage of Utah high school sports? Only if it deals with taking the state’s best football rivalry to another level, and playing the regular-season football game at Rio Tinto qualifies. 
Zach Liston, Alta
File photo by Dave Argyle
Talks are being finalized to move the game to the palatial home of MLS champion Real Salt Lake for the 2010 season. In addition to the state semifinal at the University of Utah’s Rice-Eccles Stadium, the rivalry has drawn over 10,000 fans at the home sites in recent years.
Yes, Rio Tinto is a soccer "pitch," but it has hosted some gridiron action as well, most notably the Top of the Mountains Bowl featuring junior college power Snow College against a Top 10 team each December. The pitch has also hosted the girls state championships in the fall and boys in the spring.
Updates on the Alta-Bingham game will be provided.
KNIGHT'S FAREWELL:
Davis Knight, American Fork’s coach for the past 28 years, is retiring. He was Utah’s longest-tenured coach and coached three of his sons during his stay.
He’ll finish with a 160-123-1 record with three final four appearances, the last in 2007. Knight will stay on as a teacher.
HERRIMAN HEAD COACH:
Former Highland head coach Larry Wilson will launch the Herriman program when the school opens this year. His Highland team made the playoffs each year when he was head coach there from 1996-2001. He also had a stint as a defensive coordinator at Murray.
WRESTLING TAKES CENTER STAGE:
Next week belongs to the wrestlers with the state’s two premier regular-season events taking place at Utah Valley University: On Tuesday, the All-Star Duals will pit the best wrestlers from each class on all-star teams. Jan. 15-16 features the Rocky Mountain Rumble, with 60 teams, including those from Wyoming and Colorado expected to compete.
BACK TO HOOPS:
Region play is now in full force throughout the 801 and 435 areas.
HOT TEAMS:
Boys
Bingham:
Won the Logan Classic and easily handled Alta last Saturday.
Wasatch:
Haven’t lost since falling to 4A Springville opening night.
Lone Peak
: Undefeated, but open Region 4 play at Brighton
Lehi:
Big matchup with Provo on Friday night.
Girls
Alta:
Opened region play with big win over Pleasant Grove.
Syracuse:
Undefeated.
Judge Memorial and Morgan:
Undefeated teams meet Thursday night.
