Ev, Wv To Rely On Their Veterans

Frontier soccer

Expect nothing different from West Valley and East Valley when the two Frontier League soccer powers step on the field, according to Eagles coach Dirk Linton.

“I don’t expect anything different from the last couple of years,” Linton said.

From the league or East Valley.

“We’ve just got to play our game,” Linton said. “We’ve got a strong midfield and can’t let them counter attack. That’s what they (East Valley) do. We cannot let them make the big plays.”

The league and district titles could come down to a battle between the two Valley schools in April.

Here is how they will line up.

EAST VALLEY

The Knights will try to build their team around senior second team all-league midfielder Clint Burgess and six over returning starters from a team that took second in the league (8-4-1) and upset West Valley in the district playoffs before falling in the first round of the Class AA state playoffs to East Valley-Yakima in a shootout.

Gone from that team are first-team all-league defender Dan Duer, first team all-league forward Jamie Escobar and goalkeeper Mike Hanson.

Ryan Rayniak will be back for his senior season, providing head coach Jim Spencer with a replacement for Jamie Escobar. But that still leaves two holes.

“We have got to replace our sweeper and our keeper,” coach Jim Spencer said. “That’s the key to our whole season.”

Spencer thinks he has found a replacement sweeper. Jeremy Triplett, a three-year letter winner has been impressive early and is the favorite to win the spot.

“He is a good size kid, but he needs to learn to take charge,” Spencer said.

Taking charge will be especially important this year as the Knights sort out a replacement for Hanson.

Sophomore Gabe Escobar and senior Rob Atwood, a first year player who “looks good early,” are battling for the starting nod.

“Both are a little undersized in terms of height and weight,” Spencer said. “But both are good athletes.”

In addition, senior Todd Hughes will be a strong contributor whether he plays at stopper or in the midfield.

“I hope the seniors can set the example they have in the past in showing some leadership qualities,” Spencer said.

WEST VALLEY

The Eagles have 11 returning letter-winners and hope to use their experience to clear the hurdle that has been the district playoffs.

WV has won the league two years running, but have bowed out of the playoffs both years in the district final.

Linton, last year’s Coach of the Year after leading his team to a 9-2-1 record, will rely on the leadership of senior midfielder Jason Roberts and junior forward Lenny Peterson.

Peterson’s role will be especially big. He gets the job of replacing Gibby Sharpe, a first team all-league selection and last year’s offensive MVP.

If Roberts and Peterson can step up and get some help from their supporting cast, the Eagles make a post season run that will include the state playoffs.

“Our defense will be solid,” Linton said. “We have a great attack. I think we should have a great year.”

The Eagles should be strong in the middle as well. Seniors Jaimie Scarcello and Loren Gravos, juniors Shawn Noggle and Quinne Sharpe and sophomore Dan Lorenson will join Roberts to give EV depth in the midfield.

First team all-league goalkeeper Tony Lazanis will be back in the net to anchor after making a full recovery from injuries suffered in an automobile accident following last year’s district championship loss. Senior defender Jake Clark should give Lazanis plenty of help.