A Lions share of opponents

Mead and Cheney soccer teams are entering the Lion’s den for Saturday state quarterfinal matches.

The Panthers (16-4) will play the Bellarmine Prep Lions (14-1-2) at Gonzaga Prep at 1 p.m. in a 4A tourney contest. The Blackhawks (16-4) will host the Lakeside Lions (13-0-4) at 3 p.m. in a 3A match.

Bellarmine, which has had 11 top-four state finishes, including the championship in 2004, has outscored its foes 74-14 this year. Included was Tuesday’s 4-2 win over Ferris.

“They’re really skilled,” said coach Robin Crain, “but we could easily have won.”

And if it’s a close match, don’t bet against the Panthers. They’ve won six shootouts and three overtime games among 12 one-goal outcomes.

“Looking back on it, I’m glad we ended up having a lot of games go to overtime or shootouts,” said coach Matt Stueckle. “It does prepare you for postseason.”

Long a staple of state play with 13 straight appearances between 1984 and 1996, Mead is making its third trip since then, the last in 2002.

Stueckle said he’s a little stunned by the current run by the Greater Spokane League’s second state entrant.

Goalkeeper Jason Gass, defender Pat Kanaly, leading goal scorer Ian Matson and Mead’s midfield have been keys to their playoff success, he said.

Cheney 3A foe Lakeside is in its 10th straight state tourney and finished fourth last year. The team had seven straight shutouts at one point this year.

The Blackhawks are led by GSL overall scoring leader, sophomore Mitch Weller with 22 goals. Seven others have four or more, including league assists leader Jesse Retan.

“To go to the next level we have to go up another notch,” said Blackhawks coach Steve Davis. “I think they have the will to do it.”

Mike Vlahovich