For the Stayton High boys soccer squad, it was a case of picking the wrong day for the ball not to go into the net.
The defending state Class 4A champion Eagles entered the playoffs 13-1 and ranked No. 1, but fell to Ontario on the opening weekend on penalty kicks after battling to a scoreless draw in 100 minutes.
“We just missed everything we could miss,” coach Chris Shields told Our Town. “I am not sure I have ever been a part of a game that was so one-sided and lost, either coaching or playing, but that is how it goes sometimes.”
The Eagles also claimed a state title in 2010 and were second in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
“Overall, it was a really good year considering we replaced 7 starters off a team that won a state championship,” Shields said. “We had lots of young talent that I hope continues to grow and develop. As for this group, I will miss their desire to be great, not good, but great.”
Stayton, which tied with eventual state champion Philomath for the league title, outscored opponents 67-8 and placed three athletes on the all-Oregon West Conference first team, Jayden Esparza, Santos Navarro and Omar Garcia. Owen Samuells was a second-teamer, with Riley Burns and Pedro Garibaldi earning honorable mention.
Esparza also received a first-team nod on the all-state, while Navarro and Garcia earned second-team slots.
Academic awards: The fall Oregon Schools Athletic Association academic all-state awards show that the Cascade girls cross country squad had the highest grade-point average (GPA), a 3.81, while placing fifth in class 4A. The Regis football team, meanwhile, placed highest, compiling a 3.42 GPA to take 4th in Class 2A football.
Cascade volleyball had the best combination of field success and classroom success. The Cougars won the Class 4A state title and were 10th academically, with a 3.71 GPA.
Redistricting: The OSAA has completed its reworking of regular districts for the next four-year cycle, which starts next fall. Class 4A Oregon West Conference will include Cascade, Stayton, Newport, North Marion, Philomath and Sweet Home. North Marion is an addition. Sisters dropped to 3A and Woodburn moved to 5A.
In Class 2A, Regis moves from the Central Valley Conference back to the Tri-River, which also adds Blanchet Catholic and Sheridan, while losing Willamina. Other members are Chemawa, Colton, Culver, Delphian, Gervais, Kennedy, Salem Academy, Santiam and Western Christian.
Football special districts will not be finalized until perhaps as late as February.
Football honors: Regis placed 3 players on the all-Tri-River Conference teams after finishing 6-4 overall and 4-2 in the Tri-River in the Rams’ first year under coach Brynie Robinson.
Andre Pelayo was a first-teamer at running back and linebacker. He was joined on the first team by offensive lineman/defensive lineman Casey Voltin and defensive back Kollin Schumacher. Second-teamers included WR/LB Noah Koenig, TE Grant Vogel, OL Mason Koenig and DL Cameron Diacetis.
Earning honorable mention for the Rams were DLs Mason Koenig and Vogel, DB Tim Crowell, WR Tristan McMullin and Schumacher at running back.
First-teamers Schumacher, Pelayo and Voltin and also drew honorable mention on the all-state squad.
Winter update: The Stayton and Cascade boys basketball teams are off to hot starts. The Eagles are 4-1 and ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, while the Cougars are 7-2 and ranked fifth. The two teams play each other at Cascade on Jan. 14 and in Stayton on Feb. 8. Regis, meanwhile, has opened 5-0 and is ranked No. 4 in Class 2A.
Cascade girls squad is 7-0, ranked No. 2.
