Panthers protect first-place position

Ben Doggett used his head Wednesday to help keep Mead in first place in Greater Spokane League boys soccer.

Doggett’s assist – off his head – set up Nick Hamer’s goal in the Panthers’ 1-0 win over host Lewis and Clark at Hart Field. The play occurred at 68 minutes, during a scramble at the top of the box.

Mead improved to 9-2 overall and 7-1 in league, just ahead of idle Central Valley (8-1, 6-1) and Ferris (7-4-1, 6-1). In league play Mead has defeated CV, Ferris defeated Mead and CV defeated Ferris.

Elsewhere, Isaac Peter and Alec Cutter scored 10 minutes apart in the first half to guide Ferris to a 2-1 win at East Valley. Alex Talley of the Knights (5-7, 3-4) set up his brother, Adam, for a second-half goal. … Joel Mickelson scored off a rebound in the sixth minute as University (7-3, 5-2) posted a 1-0 win over visiting Gonzaga Prep (6-3-1, 4-3). The ball deflected off several players before Mickelson beat G-Prep goalkeeper Riley Weiler. … Tyler Groom and Sean Crum scored 8 minutes apart in the second half to give North Central (7-4-1, 4-4) a 2-1 win over Shadle Park at Albi Stadium. Joey Pieroni fed Colin Ervin for a goal at 8 minutes for the Highlanders (2-9, 1-6). … Vince Vertullo scored three goals, two during the first 10 minutes, and James Biddle had two assists to power Mt. Spokane (1-10, 1-7) to a 4-1 win over visiting Rogers (2-7, 0-6).