One Week Until Practice

There is only one week left until practice starts, I hope you guys are getting in shape and getting prepared for the physical conditioning that will be waiting for you. As coaches we felt that our biggest downfall at the beginning of last season was the team not being fit to run for 80-90 minutes. That will not be the case this year. This is my way of warning everyone to use this last week and start to get into shape.

We start the season playing two non-conference games against the GSL 4A division, then all the games count for us to make a deep run into the playoffs. This week I will be reminding you of our conference opponents records last year and who they have coming back.

Eastmont was the league Champions posting an 11-1 league record, (13-2 overall). They lost to Sunnyside in the District Championship. They will be returning the MVP of the league who is as dangerous setting up teammates as he is scoring. Eastmont will have a target on their back all season and will have to deal with every team giving them thier best shot. I think last year they flew under the radar the first half of the season and won't be able to do that again, but I predict they will finish near the top of the table again.

Kamiakin finished second in the league with an 8-4 league record (12-5 overall) and lost to East Valley in the second round of districts. They also may have the toughest player to replace in midfielder Jacob Ellig. He was a real playmaker whose opponents always had to be aware of his location on the pitch. They will be in good hands with a core of returning starters including two goalkeepers who split time last year. Coach Borak may have trouble finding adaquete playing time to keep both players happy. Kamiakin won the Big Nine title in 2006 and were runners up last year, so you can count on them to battle for the League Championship once again.

Check back later for updates on Sunnyside and West Valley.