This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

After coming painfully close last season before losing to a resurgent Waterford team, the St. Joseph Jayhawks have been on top of Class 2A soccer all season — or at least they were before losing late to an old rival.

So, does that mean a state title?

The 2A tournament starts today, with the Jayhawks, who lead the state with 46 goals, hosting Liahona at 4 p.m. St Joe finished second in the 2A Central with an 11-3, 9-1 record, with its only 2A loss coming against rival Rowland Hall on April 23.

Adam Brodstein, a key player last season for the Jayhaks, leads St. Joe this year with 20 goals scored, while David Donlevy has added 10 goals.

The Winged Lion won the 2A Central, and is on the opposite side of the bracket — creating the potential for a championship showdown.

Rowland Hall is led by experienced midfielder Jon Bebbington, who has scored six goals. The Winged Lion has won eight games in a row and has not lost since March 28 against St. Joseph. Rowland Hall hosts West Division No. 4 Beaver today. Other 2A contenders include Oakley and Wasatch Academy, the second and third top-scoring teams in the state who newcomers to the upper echelon of 2A soccer.

— Bill Oram