The success of Coriantumr’s blitzkrieg against Zarahemla encouraged him to continue his speedy march from Zarahemla down the Sidon Valley, and on to Bountiful. Capturing this central corridor would split the Nephite forces on the east and western borders and rip out the heartland. If he were successful, Coriantumr would control the provisions that the army must have been counting on from the supposedly well-protected interior. With the army split and the main support system destroyed, Coriantumr could so weaken the Nephites that their government would promptly collapse.
This strategy was initially successful. Disorganized groups of quickly assembled local militia were small, perhaps ill-trained, and probably not well led. Coriantumr met only light resistance in his march down the valley.