Go ahead and toss out the preseason boys soccer results. Wind up and give ‘em the boot.
These early games aren’t a true representation of the best the Western Conference 4A South Division has to offer in 2003 for a number of reasons – sprained ankles, knee strains, facial stitches, a hyperextended elbow and the ever-popular groin pull to name a few.
Barely a month into the season, the walking wounded are out in droves and trainers have their hands full.
“In high school, because you play so many games, it’s not unusual,” Meadowdale coach Darrell Hamilton. “Injuries are going to happen throughout the year.”
Despite the bruises and bandages, several teams have enjoyed a sublime start with regular season games less than a week away.
Powered by seven returning senior starters — including University of Washington signee Kevin Forrest — Edmonds-Woodway is the consensus favorite among coaches to defend its division championship.
But Warriors coach Tony Gilman expects nothing less than a fierce challenge for the crown.
“At the (preseason) coaches meeting, we didn’t feel that there was anybody that was a rollover in this league,” Gilman said.
Shorewood has the same amount of seniors as Edmonds-Woodway (10), none of whom have been to the playoffs. But with a beefed-up defense, the Thunderbirds hope to earn a high seed to the Northwest District 4A tournament.
“There aren’t any games you can look past,” Shorewood coach Drew Thompson said. “In the past, there were always a few schools you pretty much knew for sure you were going to beat. This year, I don’t see that.”
Jackson and Shorecrest both reached the district semifinals last year and are optimistic about their chances for a return trip to the postseason.
Shorecrest, Meadowdale and Lynnwood will vie for one automatic berth to the six-team Northwest District 3A playoffs. A second Wesco team could advance with a league record equal to or better than the Northwest 3A League’s No. 5 finisher.
Meadowdale edged Shorecrest 2-1 last week in a hostile preseason matchup and is looking to extend its streak of five straight postseason appearances.
“There are four or five teams that could potentially win the league,” Hamilton said.
Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace are among the more improved teams in the league. Firs-year Royals coach Tim Colvin is committed to turning around a program that has struggled of late.
The Hawks battled Meadowdale to a scoreless tie in a preseason contest and hope to contend for one of the four 4A playoff berths with a much improved offense.
“There are a lot of good attacking players and teams right now … I think it will be very entertaining to watch this year,” Jackson coach Mike Bartley said. “You will see a lot of good soccer and a lot of goals scored.”
Charlie Laughtland and David Pan cover sports for The Enterprise Newspapers. Questions and comments may be sent via e-mail to entsports@heraldnet.com, by fax to 425-774-8622 or by mail to: Sports editor, The Enterprise, 4303 198th St. SW., Lynnwood, WA 98036.
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