by Marty Zier
Sports contributor
Cross country
Viking Cross Country competitors Luke Pietsch, Stephen Hohman Jr., Millie Kau and Cyrus Amour traveled to the state finals in Pasco, Washington on Nov. 7. Head coach Laura Hohman was very proud of her runners.
“The state meet was the greatest experience for our Orcas runners, she said. “They had a super time and it was quite an accomplishment. They each ran a good race, not their personal best, but the opportunity to be there was the BEST. Stephen ran his best time of the season and improved on his time from last years’ State meet. Having four runners representing Orcas Island High School at state makes me proud and proves we had a great season!”
Boys soccer
The Viking boys soccer team finished the regular season Oct. 26 with an impressive 9-5 record and entered the postseason with serious momentum. Finishing third in NW League play behind Mt. Vernon Christian and Providence Classical Christian, both tied at 13-1, the Vikings qualified for the 2016 Northwest/SeaKing/Southwest 1B/2B Boys Tournament.
The hectic week of games started with a loss Nov. 1 to Tacoma Baptist.
“After leading most of the game and playing very fast paced control style passing game, we lost 2-1 at Tacoma Baptist in sudden death overtime,” said Head coach Terry Turner. “Carlos Erazo broke through for our score on a through ball at full speed, out-running the defense and finishing deftly with a low hard shot as the keeper came out to challenge. As it turned out, this loss may have worked in our favor, forcing us to win out in the next two games against Seattle/Tacoma area teams, but allowing us to avoid having to travel to Spokane for the quarter final state games.”
On Nov. 3, the team came back from a one-goal deficit against Evergreen Lutheran for a 2-1 win.
“The half ended with Evergreen ahead 1-0,” said Turner. “The Vikings stayed strong and confident. After the ball bounced out to Ethan White, and in an incredibly difficult technical execution, Ethan lobbed the ball on a full volley with perfect force and accuracy with the goalkeeper out to drop the ball exactly into the center of the goal for the tie.”
Orcas attackers forced a corner kick and Henry McMurray placed the perfect near-post cross into the path of oncoming Ismael Rodríguez who forced his way, pounding a header into the net for the late win.”
On Nov. 5, the Vikings beat Life Christian 2-1 at Sammamish High in Bellevue. The first round of the State Championships is Nov. 10-12 in Bremerton at Sunset Chev Stadium with date and time to be determined. The Vikings will play Crosspoint Academy in the quarter-finals with the winner playing Life Christian Academy or Tacoma Baptist in the semi-finals.
Volleyball
The Lady Vikings finished their year with three postseason games on Nov. 2, starting with a crucial win against Concrete. After winning in three sets against the Lions, the Vikings lost to La Conner and Friday Harbor.
“Our first hurdle of the day was we had to beat Concrete so that we could continue into the playoffs,” said Head Coach Rebekah Hardee. “The girls came out ready to play and beat the Lions in three sets. After that win, we faced La Conner. The goal was to be proud of how we played and we certainly accomplished that. We scored 20 points in the third set against them. In the end, we lost to the Braves in three sets. Our final match was against Friday Harbor. We went to four sets with two of them going to past 25 points. The team really competed really well despite the loss. I was very proud of the girls and how they played. The playoff atmosphere was a new situation for the girls to be in, and with all but one player returning next year, they now know how it feels to be under that pressure. I saw many great things that will lead to a better-prepared team next year.”
The Vikings finished with an overall record of 5-10.
Football
On Nov. 3 the Viking football team wrapped up their season with a win 48-20 win over Seattle Lutheran at Orcas Island High School. Head coach Justin Frausto commented on a few of the players after the game.
“It’s always tough to lose players every year,” he said. “A few of these seniors I have coached for eight years. Charlie Holmes did not play due to an ankle injury but whenever he was on the field, he made a difference. Ricky De Anda caught a 50-yard catch, broke tackles and was flying everywhere on defense. Brother Murphy had a great game on the offensive line and got a sack. Gunnar Sandwith did an excellent job playing center, slot receiver and also excelled on defense. Jordan Randolph caught a 35-yard TD pass and had a bunch of nice runs along with a great job at linebacker. Vanya Bullock had a rushing TD and two receiving TDs and led the defense with 12 tackles and four sacks. Miles Harlow had a rushing TD, four passing TDs, too many things on defense to mention, and has done a wonderful job leading the Vikings as quarterback for the last four years.”
In summarizing the season, Frausto thanked his seniors.
“I am really proud of these players sticking through an unusual season,” he said. “All the team played with a lot of Viking pride. The seniors had an amazing last game, and I want to thank all the fans and Boosters who supported us. Now the task at hand is recruiting for next year. We may look at joining forces with Lopez again.”
