Knights, Eagles Top Dogs In Frontier Soccer Teams Start Season As Favorites
Winning Frontier League soccer hasn’t necessarily been an advantage during post-season play.
A year ago East Valley and West Valley tied for the Frontier League soccer championship and both were knocked off in overtime shootouts during the first round of league playoffs.
The Knights, in three previous state qualifying efforts, did so without winning the league.
With senior-oriented teams, both the Knights and Eagles will again be league favorites. Winning and succeeding in the playoffs won’t be easy, said EV coach Jim Spencer.
“Most people would project us as favorites,” he said. “In my mind it’s going to be five teams after four berths.”
He expects Medical Lake to join the chase for two state berths.
“They were junior dominated and are the biggest and most physical team in league,” said Spencer.
Nonetheless, the road to state must pass, as usual, through EV and WV.
Knight roster experienced
With 13 lettermen back, including eight starters, East Valley is in good shape.
“I’m a little concerned about the goal keeper position,” said Spencer. “I feel we are as good there as any in league, but you need a qualified backup.”
Gabe Escobar was hurt in the playoff game which led to EV’s downfall. He’s back for his senior year.
Backing him will be halfback Gary Edwards.
The Knights also have all-league junior sweeper Randy Pratt, who is as good, Spencer said, as anyone he’s coached.
All-league forwards Raymond Hansen and Tory Swenson provide the offense, along with sophomore varsity veteran Jesse Connor.
Playing midfield are senior veterans Tony Pass, Chad Misterek, Shawn Cecil, Nick Malloy and Joe Whitney, joined by freshman Nikko Gibson.
Juniors Sean Lanphere, Chris Bowen and senior Chuck Van Note are joined by sophomore Ryan Dennison on defense.
“I’ve always said you win with seniors and really believe that,” said Spencer. “If we can remain composed, play our ball control game and not get caught up in a physical game, we’ll be fine.”
Eagles back in bunches
West Valley is without half of its scoring punch, but just about everyone else has returned for another title try.
“We’ve got a lot of seniors,” said coach Dirk Linton. “We’re always in the thick of it and I expect us to be again.”
The Eagles are fullback rich, including all-leaguer Shane Downie and fellow senior veterans Scott Wacenske, Dan Lorenson, Dan Buckles and junior Brian Blood.
All-league midfielder Quinn Sharpe is an impact player for the Eagles, joined by Ben Brattebo, the team’s most improved player last year. Also in midfield are junior Dave Hamlin and sophomore Ty Roberts.
Forwards Nick Young and Chadd McKay will be joined by sophomore Tony Wacenske up front. Wacenske moves from midfield.
Ryan Kuntz returns in goal, backed by sophomore Nick Brumback.
Sophomores Josh Nicholas and Clark Rogers and freshmen Josh Kane and Stuart Cameron are among 22 players vying for 18 varsity spots.
“We have more depth than we’ve ever had,” said Linton. “Throw Quinn in the middle and that helps us a lot.”
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo