BOUNTIFUL — When the Bountiful Braves boys’ soccer team opened the season against three class 5A teams, coach Lou Plank had a plan.

With a tougher preseason schedule, the team is predicted to perform better against teams in the same class.

Without a loss in its previous four matches (going 2-0-2 in that time), the Braves opened up Region 6 play against Highland by blanking the Rams 2-0 behind Richard Haddock’s pair of goals.

The Braves started the match against Highland with the same toughness on defense that was seen during the preseason. With the defense already shutting down Highland, Haddock scored the first of his two goals in the first half to give the Braves the 1-0 lead.

Haddock and the rest of the Braves’ defense also put a stop to the Highland attack in the second half, with David Clark picking up his third shutout of the season at the net.

Haddock scored Bountiful’s second goal in the second half to finish the scoring for the afternoon.

Haddock’s pair of goals helped him maintain the team lead in goals scored (five) this season, while Clark’s third shutout was preceded by a scoreless draw against Box Elder and a 1-0 win over 5A Layton High School.

Since starting the season 0-2, the Braves have gone unbeaten in their last five games, outscoring the opposition 9-3 while going 3-0-2 during that time. Four of the Braves’ next five games will be on the road, starting with Cyprus Friday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

Bountiful will also have to contend with Clearfield, Woods Cross and East on the road before ending the season with three of its final four games at home.