by MARTY ZIER
Sports contributor
Football
The Vikings football team (3-5) traveled to La Conner (6-1) to play the league leading Braves in a predictable loss Friday night under the lights.
Some games are fought to win while some are fought to survive. In the Northwest 1A/2B League, the La Conner game has become one of the more unbalanced games of the year, as the Vikings once again faced a stout 35-member Brave team with 14 juniors and seniors versus only 18 Vikings, 12 of which were ninth and 10th graders.
But highlights of performance and will were not hard to find despite a 48-7 loss. Freshman quarterback Miles Harlow connected with Gage Harlow for a seven-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter after an impressive offensive drive that included completions to a core of young freshman talent: Pasha Bullock, Aiden Kruse and Jordan Randolph. By halftime, the Vikings had passed for over 160 yards against La Conner’s first string defense, quite an accomplishment against a top rated team in the state.
As coach Scott Harris often teaches, games like this build character.
Volleyball
The Vikings girls volleyball team (6-7) cleaned house against Cedar Park Christian (2-12) but got swept by Darrington (11-2) last week.
On Oct. 22, Orcas dominated Cedar Park Christian winning the first game 25-8. Strong Viking serving by Alenna Garcia, Bella Nigretto and Alicia Susol kept the Lions’ digs off balance while strong net defense by Anneke Ivans, Arianna Dean, Hannah Gaydos, Maddie White and Kilee Rogers deflected returns.
The Vikings won the second game 25-15 as the Lions were unable to consistently break the Vikings’ serve. Orcas went on to sweep the match 3-0.
On Oct. 24, it was the last home game of the season and seniors Bella Nigretto and Alicia Susol were honored for their contribution.
The Vikings lost three straight games for the third time this season against the powerful Darrington Loggers.
Girls’ soccer
The Vikings girls soccer team (2-7) hosted the Friday Harbor Wolverines (9-6) Thursday in a 8-0 loss under the fog at Dahl Field.
Players and fans applauded seniors Diansa Anuenue and Shelbi Rogers for their contributions in the last home soccer game.
The Vikings had their hands full once again against a massive Wolverine team that combined solid defense and quick drives on goal. By halftime, the Wolverines had amassed a 3-0 lead, but the Vikings’ young defense was impressive considering three eighth graders, Joanne Mietzner, Katy Minnis and Joie Zier, were moved up from middle school soccer to make a high school team viable. Freshman players Aliza Diepenbrock, Adia Dolan and Stephanie Harris rounded out the youngest Vikings and maintained excellent midfield pressure against well-orchestrated Wolverine passing.
Boys’ soccer
by Jack Russillo
High school senior
The Vikings opened the week losing to the undefeated Mount Vernon Christian Hurricanes 8-1 but pulled out a senior game win against the Lopez Lobos, 7-0.
On Oct. 22, the Vikings faced an aggressive Hurricane team that scored shortly into the first half. However, the Vikings played strong defense and managed some dangerous counter-attacks that threatened the Hurricanes’ goalkeeper multiple times. Starting the second half strong, the Vikings penetrated the opposing defense and broke the scoring barrier by a long-distance blast from senior Jack Russillo.
On Oct. 23, the Vikings played their last home game of the season against the Lopez Lobos. Viking seniors were honored at halftime.
The Vikings recorded their first shut out of the season with stellar defensive play on Senior Day. Eric Eagan opened up the scoring minutes after kickoff with a shot to the top left corner. After more close attempts at goal, Russillo scored off a volley passed by Henry McMurray. The Vikings closed out the first half with a goal from Lee Pollard, William Coe and a second goal from Russillo. The Vikings continued to play well in the second half with good midfield play and solid passing. A header goal by Russillo from McMurray and a late finesse strike from Russillo ended the game for the Vikings.
The Vikings have clinched their fourth consecutive trip to playoffs and play their final regular season game against Providence Classical Christian.
The Vikings first playoff game was in La Conner on Oct. 29. The score was not known as of press time.
