Papermakers write end to EV’s season

It took just a dozen minutes for the East Valley dream to turn nightmarish.

The Knights, in the State 3A boys soccer quarterfinals for the first time since 1995, played host Saturday to the defending state champions from Camas at Gonzaga Prep.

Coming of a 3-0 shutout win over Sunnyside and playing on a field that had seen the Knights three straight postseason games, EV could almost see itself playing in next week’s semifinals in Harry Lang Stadium in Lakewood.

The Papermakers nixed that with a three-goal barrage over a 12-minute span of the first half, holding on for a 3-1 victory.

At the 8-minute mark, Camas freshman midfielder Stuart Jergensen fired a through ball between a pair of EV defenders. Forward Billy Keyser ran onto the free ball and knocked it past a back-pedaling Josh Peck to make it 1-0.

Peck took a step toward cutting off the ball at the top of the penalty area, but realized he couldn’t get there in time to smother the ball and retreated to cover the open goal.

“He kind of got caught in no-man’s land there,” Knights coach Jeff Rose said. “He made the right decision – that was a tough situation for him. And he still almost made the save.”

Camas forward Evan Lehner raced up the sideline at the 15-minute mark, found room to cut toward the goal and found teammate Greg Beasley, who one-timed a ball past Peck to make it 2-0.

Quinton Beasley made it 3-0, pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area and driving it into an open corner of the goal at the 20-minute mark.

“I have to give them credit,” Rose said. “They scored three goals on us and no one else has done that to us this season.”

Still, Rose was optimistic at halftime.

“I’d feel better if we were just two goals down, but we’re not out of this yet,” he said at intermission.

Camas helped leave the door open while Peck held the Papermakers scoreless in the second half by making several spectacular saves.

The teams played a tough, physical game through the first 40 minutes – with game officials cautioning players to play the ball on several occasions. In the second half the Papermakers cranked up the pressure and paid a price.

Camas was whistled for more than a dozen fouls and three players, Steven Bunker, Jake Rose and Quinton Beasley were given yellow cards.

A Camas foul in its end gave EV an indirect free kick in the 69th minute. Senior defender Josh Polello delivered a long, bending pass to senior forward Cole Abramson, who snapped a header past goalkeeper Jacob Artman.

Camas (16-0-4) advances to play Sammamish in the second of two semifinal games Friday.

“I’m so proud of this team and everything they’ve accomplished,” said Rose, who will resign as head coach to pursue a full-time teaching position. “These guys have accomplished so much.