By Declan O’Malley
Journal contributor
Boys Soccer
The Friday Harbor boys soccer team got off to a hot start, racking up two big wins and an impressive 16 total goals against Coupeville and Evangel Classical School.
In their opener against Coupeville, FHHS came out strong with several players getting on the stat sheet.
“A very solid first showing of the season and an 8-0 victory. Kaden Horn started the scoring with a solid header on a corner kick to notch his first high school goal. Three goals for Abdul Guzman, two goals for Isidro Churape. Henry Oswald and Eli Lane each netted a goal to round out the scoring on the day,” said Head Coach Mike Horn.
In their next match, the Wolverines kept up their rapid scoring pace in an 8-1 win over Evangel Classical School.
“Continued strong play with a lot of contributors from up and down the roster led to an 8-1 victory. Riley Miller notched a hat trick in the first 10 minutes of the game. Asher Cullen and Jasper Mahn each gathered their first high school goals as well. Milo Martin set up multiple scoring plays, dropping dimes to his teammates,” Horn said.
Girls Soccer
The FHHS girls soccer team opened their season against tough competition, facing off against larger schools in their first two matches.
The season began with a matchup against 1A Granite Falls. Despite a solid effort and overcoming adversity, the Wolverines fell 4-2. According to Head Coach Bryan Leighton, the team fell behind early after two quick goals from defensive miscues and an injury that forced adjustments.
“Late in the first half, senior captain goalkeeper Georgia VanderYacht left the match following a collision and did not return. With the backup unavailable, field players rotated into goal,” said Leighton.
In their home opener against 4A Mariner High School, the Wolverines showed grit, battling back from a 3-0 deficit to tie 3-3.
“Sophomore attacker Hazel Leighton scored her first high school goal just before halftime on a cutback pass from Orozco, then struck again midway through the second half by putting away a rebound from Ovenell’s shot,” said Leighton.
Later in the match, senior captain midfielder Norah Leighton tied the contest with a long-range strike into the top corner.
Volleyball
FHHS volleyball opened its season in dominant fashion with back-to-back sweeps on the road. On Sept. 8, the Wolverines powered past Concrete in straight sets, controlling the tempo from start to finish in a 3-0 win. Just a few days later, they carried that momentum into Lopez on Sept. 11, where they once again delivered a convincing 3-0 victory.
Cross Country
The cross country team began its season in Bellingham at the Gear Up NW event, featuring a lineup of 50 teams.
“We had outstanding performances by Autumn Vaught with a personal best in the 2-mile race of 14:21.5. She beat her personal record by 1.5 minutes. Her summer training has made her a leader on the girls’ team. A surprise performance was put in by Lyla Frohm, who was the second-best runner on our team for the day in her very first race of her career,” said Head Coach Al Turnbow. He also noted that Rose Jensen and Qwynne Price-Morris set personal records while competing through injuries.
On the boys’ side, several athletes also stood out at the Bellingham event.
“Neil Gresseth set a new 2-mile school record by running 11:42 in the boys’ race. Harrison Edge and Nick Taylor both set PRs in their runs,” Turnbow said. He added that the team’s effort has been encouraging: “We are working very hard to improve each time we go out and run.”
