Boys’ football
by MARTY ZIER
Sports contributor
The Viking football team (2-3) traveled to Bothell High School to play their last non-league game of the season against a massive 4A Cougar sophomore team in a rough 46-8 loss on Oct. 5.
The Viking and Cougar first offensive series both started with interceptions and subsequent turnovers as both teams settled into their game plan. However, the Cougar offense overpowered the Vikings. Highlighting early Viking defensive play, a tackle by freshman Charlie Holmes denied a Cougar two-point conversion after Bothell’s first touchdown. The Vikings trailed 20-0 at the end of the first quarter as the Cougars exploited their running and passing game.
Opening the second quarter, Viking defensive back Jordan Randolph surprised the Cougars with an interception, gifting the Viking offense another series. But an onslaught of Cougar weapons dominated the second quarter, stretching Bothell’s lead to 33-0 at the half. Not until the fourth quarter did the Vikings get on the scoreboard after a 38-yard run by fullback Jay Zier set up a 12-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Pasha Bullock to freshman Cameron Aragon. Zier ran in the two-point conversion. Orcas travels to Chief Leschi on Oct. 12.
Girls’ soccer
by MARTY ZIER
Sports contributor
The Vikings girls soccer team (1-5) fell to the two leading league teams last week, the LaConner Braves (3-6) and the Mt. Vernon Christian Hurricanes (5-4).
On Tuesday, Orcas hosted the Braves on muddy Dahl field in a 7-0 loss after the seasoned Braves exhibited strong offensive drives and stifling defense. Despite the loss, the Viking players impressed the Orcas fans as most of the girls played the entire game.
On Thursday, the Vikings battled Mt. Vernon Christian at Buck Park in a 5-1 loss. The Hurricanes broke away for two quick goals in the first period and Orcas let another Hurricane shot in early in the second period, but the highlight of the game was a deep midfield pass from Diansa Anuenue to Adia Dolan, who navigated by the Hurricane defenders to nail an open shot on goal. Mt. Vernon added another goal late.
Boys’ soccer
by Jack Russillo
High school senior
The Viking boys soccer team (3-4) traveled to rival Lopez Island (0-7) returning with a win against the Lobos but lost to Providence Classical Christian Crusaders (5-2-1) later in the week. On Wednesday, the Vikings struggled to dominate the Lobos in the first half until William Coe opened up the scoring midway through the first period. Taking control, Coe added another goal assisted by freshman Henry McMurray. Before halftime the Lobos added a score of their own.
The Vikings started the second half hungry for more goals as Jack Russillo, Aidan Anderson, Chris Babcock, and Eric Eagan and Steven Bodenhammer each scored. Viking generosity and quick play really took its toll on the Lobos defense. With six players scoring and four players adding assists, it was a true team effort in the 8-2 victory.
On Friday, the Vikings entered the halfway point of their season losing 7-0 to Providence Classical Christian Crusaders, a state-caliber team. The Vikings managed to create good scoring chances with quick ball movement and good aggressiveness, but missed starting goalkeeper Alex Rogers.
“They were a really technically skilled team,” said Assistant Coach Terry Turner. “We could really take away a lot from this game and look to improve to finish out the season.”
The Vikings go into the second half of the season holding on to the final playoff spot in their league.
