“It was a very fun game”

Feeds:: Posts; Comments

“It was a very fun game”

October 28, 2023 by David Svien

Coupeville varsity booters rock the mic during Saturday’s JV finale. (Christi Messner photo)

End on a happy note.

Coming off of a miserable final varsity game played in a typhoon on Orcas Island, the Coupeville High School soccer squad was looking for a positive ending.

And they found it Saturday at home, as the Wolf JV put up a strong fight on a sunny day, pushing Northwest 2B/1B League heavy hitter Friday Harbor every step of the way.

While Coupeville’s co-ed team fell 3-0 to the visitors, Wolf coach Kimberly Kisch was pleased with the effort.

“The sun was shining, and everyone gave it their all for their final game of the season,” she said.

“I would say they have greatly improved,” Kisch added. “I saw them setting up some great plays!”

With the CHS girls program shut down this season, Kisch and eight of her players joined up with Robert Wood and the Wolf boys’ team.

The union has been a success, and Saturday’s game was proof.

It was also a strong statement for the talent to be found on the second team, young players developing their skill set with the hopes of making the jump to varsity in the future.

The bright future of CHS soccer. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

“Sam (Richards) was killer in goal, saving a rapid-fire attempt from Friday Harbor,” Kisch said. “Then he was a force to be reckoned with on the wing.

“Sage (Arends), Dane (Hadsall), and Sam had shot attempts, but none made it through.”

Kisch also praised Lydia Price and Hurlee Bronec, who “were a brick wall on the defensive line” and Solomon Rudat and Angel Partida, who “made a couple of fantastic runs.”

While the JV players were battling their rivals, Coupeville’s varsity players got to experience a different side of the game.

Andrew Williams, Preston Epp, and Cael Wilson “did announcements with hilarious commentary,” while Ezra Boilek and Hank Milnes joined Wood in reffing.

While Kisch was in charge, she got “coaching” help from departing seniors Nick Guay, Cole White, and Quinten Simpson-Pilgrim.

Seeing the game from a different angle gave the booters a new perspective.

“Quinten stated, now I understand why coaches yell so much. This is stressful,” Kisch said with a laugh.