by Declan O’Malley
Sounder contributor
Orcas Island High School soccer concluded last week’s matches with a number one state RPI ranking and their 11th and 12th state wins after two solid victories.
OIHS traveled to Bothell on Oct. 22 to take on Providence Classical Christian (PCC), handing them a 3-2 loss. Despite missing a few key players, the Viking attack found a groove, as Anthony Conejo, Angelo Vaccarella, and Remy Lago all scored goals for OIHS in the match.
“Tuesday’s game was to simply keep playing in our best style and convert the opportunities we were creating,” said Coach Terry Turner.
OIHS hosted Evergreen Lutheran from Tacoma in a non-conference match for homecoming on Oct 26. In a surge of offense, the Vikings grounded the Eagles 6-0. Joaquin Shanks led OIHS’ goal scorers with a hat trick, and Kevin Ibarra, Amaru Shanks, and Romero Lago each found the back of the net for their own goals.
“We still have three more conference games to play [La Conner, Cedar Park, and Coupeville], and we can’t afford to think too far ahead. We absolutely don’t want to drop a game because we underestimate our remaining league competition. Although on paper, some of the other top contenders may have statistically tougher schedules to play out,” Turner said.
After the games this past week, Turner spoke on the number one RPI ranking.
“Well, you can’t really look at it as an honor or anything. It’s math applied to statistics,” he said. “I think the whole RPI ranking gives a good general picture of the records of the teams that goes a step beyond win-loss percentage. It isn’t that good of a predictor, though, of who will win the toughest games at the end of the year.”
The Vikings will host the Braves for senior night on Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. during their last home match of the season.
OIHS Cross Country ran in the Northwest 1B/2B League Championship at Mount Vernon Christian School on Oct. 24.
In the boys’ 5,000 meters, Orcas finished in fourth place with a team score of 92, placing them ahead of Shoreline Christian and behind first-place Mount Vernon Christian (24), second-place Coupeville (34), and third-place Friday Harbor (73).
Sophomore Tomasi Malo recorded the best finish for OIHS runners, coming in 14th place at 19:09.6. Teammate Finn Ontjes finished closely behind in 16th with a time of 19:28.9.
Among other OIHS XC runners, Drew Nunez recorded a time of 20:39.4, Robin Limbach finished with 20:44.6, Kenneth Farani ran for 21:03.7, and Max Peterson finished at 33:56.8.
Corey Wiscomb photo. Who ya gonna call? Seniors Dagny Kruger, Morgan Anderson, & Molina Stone are ready to take on the paranormal.
Corey Wiscomb photo. Decked out in OIHS Color for Spirit Day is Rebekah Hardee and her grandaughter… never to young to start the Viking Pride!
Corey Wiscomb photo. Decked out in OIHS Color for Spirit Day is Rebekah Hardee and her grandaughter… never to young to start the Viking Pride!
Corey Wiscomb photo. The coveted “Tug of War” championship was won by the sophomore class this year.
Corey Wiscomb photo. The coveted “Tug of War” championship was won by the sophomore class this year.
Corey Wiscomb photo. After weeks of fundraising to see which OHS Staff member would take the Pie to the Face, the “winner” was Principal Kyle Freeman. Junior Class ASB Member Cienna Richardson (dressed as Wonder Woman) looks on in approval.
Corey Wiscomb photo. The Class of 2025 put on an epic lip synch in this year’s competition. Pictured is Romero Lago who brought the house down leading the senior class in dancing Michael Jackson’s infamous “Thriller.”
Corey Wiscomb photo. Solianna Halibisky and Sylvia Johnson performing in the senior lip synch.
Corey Wiscomb photo. Myles Paige and his son Otto enjoy the Homecoming festivities.
Corey Wiscomb photo. Groot!!! Junior Royce Tye becomes one of the Guardians of the Galaxy for the parade.
Cienna Richardson photo. Viking Anthony Conejo (left) during the game against Evergreen Lutheran.
