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Goal after goal, Flathead soccer remains one of the most — if not the most — successful sports programs at Flathead High School.
And the teams are aiming for scores that uphold that reputation during the state tournament in Kalispell, Thursday through Saturday.
The Flathead squads will have a home field advantage this year, and they have set lofty goals for the tournament.
Both boys and girls know that they have to have the talent and desire to win state titles.
“We will be extremely good by state,” said senior captain Ben Smith. “We just have to play hard and play like we know how.”
“We can do it,” said senior captain Crystal Herzog of the girls’ chances at state. “But it will take a lot of work and cooperation.”
Soccer team members say they would like to see more fans at state.
“It definitely helps when state is at home and the crowd is behind you,” said Herzog.
“Fans are cool,” said senior captain AJ Willits, “and it’s fun when they’re there.”
Both the boys and girls have compiled impressive records through the ’98 season. The boys squad, at 8-0-2, has maintained their undefeated status.
“They’re an exceptional group,” said head coach Tom McFarlane. “They’re similar to the state championship team of 1994.”
“This is the best team I’ve seen,” said senior Brandon Judge, “and I’ve played sophomore through senior year.”
The girls have shared in the glory too, with a winning 8-2 record.
“They are good offensively,” said head coach John Stephens. “It’s probably the best passing team ever.”
“If we want it bad enough, we will be good enough to win (state),” said senior Toni Astle.
In 1997, the Bravettes were Western Conference Champions and placed second at state. The Braves settled for fourth place.
McFarlane credits the teams’ success to “a strong youth program in the valley. We also get all the real skilled players into one school.”
“The high school program is fed by strong club programs, which are fed by strong recreational programs,” Stephens agrees.
Now it’s up to FHS students to get out to Airport Fields Friday and Saturday to cheer the teams on.
According to coach McFarlane, if the fans come out for state, they will have a positive affect on the teams. The Flathead soccer teams will be ready to play hard and take home not one, but two first place trophies.
“Our chances at state look real good if we stay healthy,” said McFarlane. “All the teams that end up at state are good.”
Willits said, “If we play soccer like we know how, we will win.” |
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