Week Eleven

Week in Review:

Seven of the eight playoff berths between the two divisions had already been clinched, but week eleven played out like the final week of the regular season should, as teams battled for pride and post-season positioning!!!

Despite having won only one game all year, Nathan Hale had a two win week to end the season on a good note.  The Raiders got even with Overlake for an early season defeat and also took it to cross town rival Franklin to close out the season.

Maple Valley has certainly had a roller coaster of a season.  After starting the season 3-0, the Vandals lost 4 straight before putting together another winning streak.  Needing to win two of three the final week to make the playoffs, Maple Valley fell twice to Eastside and Mercer Island.  After a tough 7-5 loss to Eastside, the Vandals came out fired up against Mercer knowing that a win would still keep them in the drivers seat.  Despite being down 4-0, Maple Valley stormed back and took a 9-6 halftime lead.  Still leading 10-9 going into the 4^th, they simply ran out of steam and Mercer was able to finish strong.  Nothing to be ashamed of though.  In their first year as an "A" division squad, Maple Valley finished 7-7 with a big win over Lakeside and came within a quarter of making the playoffs.

Eastside completed it’s run to the playoffs, with a clinching win over Bellevue the day after Maple Valley fell to Mercer.  Bellevue almost played spoiler again, as they gave Eastside all they could handle.  Although both Maple Valley and Eastside finished at 7-7, Eastside grabs the 4^th spot by virtue of the tie-break having beat Maple Valley in both head to head match-ups.

Coming off a tough loss to Bainbridge, Mercer Island's big comeback win  over Maple Valley helped the Islanders keep a hold of 2^nd place and thus they will host a semi-final match-up against Lakeside.

Bainbridge capped a perfect regular season with a win over Lakeside as Port Angeles did the same in the “B” Division holding off Curtis in the regular season finale.

Check out results page for recaps of all games in both divisions!!!

Top Performers of the Week:

Jack Andrews, Eastside

• The freshman attackman is a big reason Eastside is still alive.  After a solid 1g, 2a performance against Maple Valley, Andrews exploded for 4 goals against Bellevue including two in the 4^th quarter to help Eastside grab the final playoff berth.

Bainbridge Spartan Defense & Port Angeles Roughrider Defense

• For anyone who has ever been a part or witness to an undefeated team knows it is a huge accomplishment!!!  And no team can do it without defense.  Defenders, goalies, face-offs guys- all the guys that do the dirty work never get any press.  This week, we’d like to recognize these units as they have both had amazing seasons.  Good luck to both teams in the playoffs!!

Check out league leaders page for all scorers!!!

Preview of Upcoming Week:

PLAYOFFS!!!

            A Division Semi-Finals                          B Division Semi-Finals

                    #4 Eastside @ #1 Bainbridge                        #2 Franklin @ #1 Port Angeles

               #3 Lakeside @ #2 Mercer Island                    #2 Bainbridge B @ #1 Panther LC

                                    ALL GAMES WILL TAKE PLACE WED. 5/16 @ 6pm

STATE FINALS:         Saturday, May 19^th @ Mercer Island

Unlike year's past, an exciting year in the "A" division saw many teams splitting their match-ups.  We had a few big upsets, Bellevue won it's first two games in two years, and Maple Valley made some noise as an A league club.  However, it has all taken us right back to where we ended a year ago…

These are the same match-ups we've become accustomed to, as Eastside faces Bainbridge and Lakeside faces Mercer Island for the third straight year in the semi-finals.  Eastside will be looking to pull a monumental upset and get back to the finals for the first time since 1996.  Mercer Island looks to reach the finals for the first time ever.  Lakeside and Bainbridge…well, this is old hat for them.

One thing is certain in the "B" Division- we will crown a new champion.  The question is can anybody come close to a mighty Port Angeles squad.  No team has come closer than four goals all year.  And can the Panther LC continue their amazing first year success and reach the finals???