LAKE STEVENS – Seven.
Michael O’Leary / The Herald
It’s one of those so-called lucky numbers, but this spring the digit has surefire significance for the Lake Stevens Vikings boys soccer team.
Lake Stevens returns seven of 11 starters from last year’s groundbreaking team that made the program’s first-ever Class 4A state tournament appearance and compiled an impressive 15-4 record. The senior-laden Vikings, who lost a first-round state clash against Bellarmine Prep of Tacoma, say they have the talent and experience to generate another memorable run this spring.
“This senior class has gotten better every year,” Lake Stevens coach Scott Flanders said. “Our goal this season is to make it back to the state playoffs and make a run at (placing high).”
Here’s a look at some of the key players and opposing forces (aka the competition) that will shape the team’s quest for continued success.
Michael O’Leary / The Herald
Point Man
Wes Vanhooser is a self-starter.
“As long as I’ve known Wes,” coach Flanders said of the prolific senior forward, “every day after school he’s working out on his own.”
That constant dedication turned Vanhooser into a two-time All-Wesco North first-team performer, a three-time club team state champ and a Seattle University recruit. The quick, sturdy standout scored 42 goals and tallied 30 assists over his first three seasons, and unlike some stars Vanhooser likes to share the spotlight. “He’s deemed as a leader,” Flanders said, “but at the end of the day he’s just one of the guys. He’s not someone who seeks out attention.”
Even so, Vanhooser, one of the area’s elite offensive weapons, will surely get loads of attention from opponents.
The Stopper
Strong goalkeeping is a must, and coach Flanders is thankful to have a reliable veteran between the posts. Zach Hardwick has started the majority of the last three seasons for Lake Stevens. He got off to a hot start this year by earning shutouts in the Vikings’ first three games.
“Goalkeeping is so crucial in high school soccer,” Flanders said, “and to have a top-level goalkeeper (like Hardwick) makes a world of difference.”
Hardwick’s strengths are vision and quickness. “He sees the ball really well (and) his first reaction is amazing,” Lake Stevens goalkeeper coach John Wales said.
Hardwick, who is being recruited by Montana State University-Billings, has also made strides in leadership. Lake Stevens seniors Ryan and Kyle Warrington called Hardwick “the captain of the ship” and “a born leader,” respectively.
Seeing Double
The Warringtons are identical twins who have played their respective outside midfielder positions since age 11. “It’s the only position they know how to play,” coach Flanders said of the speedy co-captains, who said they love to run and stay involved in all facets of the game.
Ryan, who is right-footed and plays outside right midfielder, and Kyle (left-footed and left outside mid) are difficult to contain. “They have phenomenal speed,” Hardwick said. “They can practically beat anyone down the line.”
The Craftsman
Eric Guenther is a magician. First you see the ball. Then you don’t.
“Just when you think you have him cornered,” coach Flanders said of the senior midfielder, “he’ll flip the ball over your head or put it between your legs.”
Guenther, whose father played professional soccer in Germany, gives the Vikings another highly skilled decision-maker in the middle. Flanders called him controlled yet extremely crafty, and Hardwick said Guenther’s patience opens up the field.
“He doesn’t panic when he gets the ball,” the keeper said. “He’ll look around and instead of making the easiest pass, he’ll make the smartest choice.”
Panthers on the Prowl
Lake Stevens said its aspirations apply to the entire season, not to a single team. But as usual the ever-strong Snohomish Panthers, led by explosive scorers Brandon Crutchfield and Brandon Kelley (They combined for 25 goals and 25 assists last season) will pose a major Wesco North challenge for the Vikings.
“They’re obviously always gonna be picked to finish first in the league,” Vanhooser said, “but I think this year is gonna be our best chance to beat them out of my last four years.”
“Until somebody knocks them off, they’re the frontrunner,” coach Flanders said of Snohomish, which last season twice defeated Lake Stevens by a score of 3-1. Coached by Dan Pingrey, Snohomish has reached state seven straight times and eight of the last nine years.
The teams play twice during the regular season: Wednesday at Snohomish and April 28 at Lake Stevens.
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