Much of coach Randy Allred’s philosophy and his three seasons of work remain intact, but youth has been the aggressor behind Weber’s 5-2 start following a 17-6 home win over 5A Pleasant Grove on Thursday.

Freshman Kage Panter produced a hat trick (or greater) for a fifth straight game, and, together, the Warriors added another key win entering spring break. For a proper freshman, Panter’s seeing varsity-level minutes and making an impact, averaging 5.4 goals per game.

“I’m having a blast with all the opportunities I’m getting, and the team I love supporting me,” Panter said. “It’s a lot different than rec, coming from what I came from, but I’m loving it.”

Holding the Vikings (6-2) to just two second-half goals, Weber’s defense — holding an opponent to six goals or fewer for the third time already this season — does have a strong, veteran presence in the form of senior Bridger Bailey. He’s been around the program since he was a sophomore and knows a good batch of lacrosse players when he sees them.

CONNER BECKER, Standard-Examiner

“Coming into this game, people were telling us they were going to kick our butts,” Bailey said. “We came out and punched them in the mouth first quarter, all the way through the end of the game.

“I’m pumped about it. I love playing with this team and it’s the best time. … I think we just have a really good friendship and camaraderie. There’s a sense of trust between our teammates.”

Weber came out hot and hardly took its foot off the gas.

Up 3-1 to end the first quarter, Weber grabbed a fourth goal via junior attacker Jake Greenhalgh, his second en route to a hat trick, and uncapped a 5-1 run entering halftime.

Sophomores Brigham Witworth and Grayden Church each netted three goals apiece before the end of the fourth quarter, and junior goalkeeper Rhett Hancock ended the match with the third-fewest goals he’s allowed this season.

It’s a young team, but a hungry team, Bailey said following Thursday’s victory.

“We’ve got a lot of young talent and a lot of confidence behind it,” Bailey said. “I just think they’ve got some good chemistry. They’ve been playing their whole lives together.”

Weber travels to Salem Hills on Friday for an evening matchup beginning at 7 p.m. They’ll return home to host Layton for their region opener on Tuesday, April 7, at the football field.

Connect with prep sports reporter Conner Becker via email at cbecker@standard.net