Rams, Stags Will Compete In Gnl
Trying to duplicate last fall’s dominant state championship girls soccer season may be difficult for coach Kevin Moon and the Riverside Ram boys.
“It’s a tall order, a once-in-a-lifetime season,” said Moon. “The team needs to be careful not to hope it will come automatically because the girls did so well.”
But Moon is willing to try. The Rams have split off from Deer Park and the two are part of the new Great Northern League. Last year the combined team finished third in the Frontier League.
They’ll be missing only a couple Deer Park players now that the Stags, under new coach Rio Three Stars, have branched out on their own.
Rams must replace players
Although Riverside has a strong returning nucleus, the team is missing several key ingredients.
“We lost five seniors who were all impact players, including the MVP on offense (Phil Daubel) and a defender who missed it by one point (Ryan Baker),” said Moon. “And Paul Murray was probably the hardest-hitting defender I’ve had.”
Back are senior captains, goal keeper Jeremy Nelson, Justin Emch, Jeff Westenskow and Mark Zeinert.
Other senior veterans are Derek Crance, Isaac Hodgson, Zach Ross and Jason Schafer. Juniors are Jason Remington, Sam Fleetwood, Brian Sandusky and Nathanial Calamia.
Rounding out the squad are sophomores Kevin Hersom, Wink Hodgson, freshmen Brett Baker and Doug Moug.
During a five-month period, including the girls season, Moon’s home was broken into and his possessions stolen, he underwent surgery on his hand and his employer, Egghead Computer, closed its retail stores, costing him his job.
“One shining spot was the state championship,” he said. “I reflect on it when I’m in a funk.”
Another playoff effort would be nice.
New team, new coach at Deer Park
Three Stars, an honorable mention All-America at Whitworth, takes over a team whose most experienced player is away on a student exchange.
The other, junior Spencer Nedved, will be one of his core players. Others are sophomore transfer Jay Recchia and freshman forward Lucas Langben.
“I was uncertain coming in,” said Three Stars, “but the talent is a lot better than I thought.”
Junior Joey Roy, sophomores Ken Pegram, Chris Sadel, Chris Dowers, Clay Ramsden, Josh Schmitz, Jesse Jacky and freshmen goalkeepers Ed Lewis and Craig Phillips are young team members.
Seniors are Ryan Pilgrim, Scott Larson and Keith Proctor
“I don’t think it’s unrealistic to shoot for at least a fourth playoff spot,” said Three Stars. “It’s a tossup after Riverside.”
, DataTimes