Washington-led Saxons eye crown

Ferris soccer player Avery Washington, one of four All-Greater Spokane League first-team choices returning this year, has been involved with the sport for as long as he can remember.

Though it initially was not, he said, the choice his father Wayne would have made.

“Dad used to play basketball,” Washington said. “He was kind of upset we chose soccer. But he learned to like it.”

The influence came from his oldest brother by 10 years who, said Washington, was horrible at basketball, took up soccer and “it just kind of flowed for him.”

It has been a staple of the Washington family ever since. Another brother, Austin, was also on last year’s All-GSL first team and is now playing at Whitworth College.

When the season begins for real today the standings could possibly be altered because so many seniors all-leaguers graduated.

The Saxons, second in league and first in district, have only three senior returnees. Lewis and Clark is led by all-league forward Matt Harnetiaux. But the Tigers, who have won 37 straight league matches and finished fourth in state last season (and second in 2002), graduated four of their better players.

It opens the door for 4A teams such as Central Valley and Mt. Spokane, who are among the league’s most experienced, or for 3A schools like East Valley and Cheney, which also finished fourth in state last year.

“They had some success last year, got pretty close and had so many juniors on the team they are very hopeful they’ll get farther,” said new coach John Marshall of his Mt. Spokane team.

In preseason matches last week, the Wildcats outscored two Big Nine opponents 11-0. They boast All-GSL goal keeper Jeff Srock and midfielder Keith Kirsch, who had five goals in the non-league wins.

“Mt. Spokane is going to be really tough this year,” said Ferris coach Robin Crain. “LC’s good, we’re going to be good. Throw in other teams who are just as good as or better than last year and I don’t think you can count anyone out.”

For the Saxons to continue as one of the league’s top programs, a lot will be expected from Washington and fellow senior teammates Eric Burke and Kyle Yonago.

Washington and Burke played on the U-19 Falcons team that finished second recently in the Washington State Cup. Yonago, a two-time wrestling state finalist and second-team All-GSL soccer player last year, could not participate because of his wrestling obligations.

“They complement each other,” said Crain of his athletes. “They are good defenders and it’s rare when you get kids who can defend well, but are also very skilled technically with the ball.”

Washington, a Saxon starter his entire career, and Burke are fourth-year varsity players.

Like Washington, Burke has played soccer for a long time, but it will come to an end after this year when he enrolls at the University of Montana, which has no soccer team.

“Soccer’s been a huge part of my life and I’ll really miss it,” Burke said. “It was a hard decision to make.”

That’s why there’s a sense of urgency for the team leaders.

Burke scored six goals last year and had seven assists and will move from center midfield to forward to provide even more punch. Washington called him a unique player, shifty and able to move well off the ball and find open space.

“I’ll be able to find him if I keep my head,” Washington said.

Washington, said Burke, is the most athletic player on the team and might be the fastest Ferris athlete.

“I just try to get him the ball in open space where he can run because he’s got the speed,” Burke said.

Washington moves from midfield attacker to defense, playing the same stopper position Austin held last year.

“Coach said he needed someone back who could get in on tackles and I’m not afraid to get in there,” Avery said. “I’ll do a little bit of attacking, but have to hold back and choose what I’m doing.

“Soccer is different, there’s nothing else like it,” Avery says of his sport of choice. “It’s a challenge, you’re always moving. It’s exciting to me.”