4A DISTRICT 1-2 SOCCER: Howell lifts Priest River boys to first districts win in school history
The Priest River High boys' soccer team is all smiles after winning their first district tournament game in school history over Orofino on Monday. Back row, from left are head coach Ryan Carruth, Seth Parker, Evon Picardo, Daryan Haidari, Ryker Pettit, Caleb Parker, Mitchell Ball, Jayden Sams, Nate Davis, Jeremiah Roberts, Connor Stevens, Carter Cook, Nathan Stifel, Cameron Howell, Gunnar Pettit, Henry White and assistant coach Micah Parker. Front row, from left are Ryan Bell, Baylor White, Jack Zalewski and Jayden Stevens.
(Courtesy Photo)
BOYS SOCCER
Priest River 1, Orofino 0
POST FALLS — After losing 4-0 to Orofino on Oct. 5, the No. 4 Spartans, with help of a goal during the 63rd minute by senior Cameron Howell, downed the No. 5 Maniacs for their first ever 4A Intermountain League district tournament win in school history at the Real Life Fields on Monday.
Howell, who Priest River High head coach Ryan Carruth said played a fantastic game, intercepted a failed clearance and lasered a shot to the lower left corner of the goal to give Priest River the advantage.
"Extremely proud of our young men today," coach Carruth said. "Not only did we keep zero at the back, but we played some of the best soccer we have all season."
Carruth also shouted out senior Nathan Stifel for a brilliant performance at midfield and junior Baylor White, who had five saves, for being solid and steady in the shutout performance.
"We have rewritten the story on Priest River soccer this year and I couldn't be happier for these guys," coach Carruth said. "It's hard to believe how far we have come since my first practice with the guys last season. We will have our hands full tomorrow with Charter, but there is an opportunity in front of us to rewrite history books and the lads are excited for the challenge that lies ahead."
Priest River (7-7-1) will face No. 1 Coeur d'Alene Charter on Tuesday at the same location in a semifinal loser-out match.
GIRLS SOCCER
Bonners Ferry 6, Priest River 0
POST FALLS — Kylee Swoboda had nine saves as the No. 6 Lady Spartans fell 6-0 to the No. 4 Lady Badgers in a 4A Intermountain League loser-out district tournament game held Monday at the Real Life Fields.
"This was a tough season and clearly not the outcome we wanted but I'm proud of the growth these ladies showed this season," Priest River High assistant coach Nick Tucker said. "They had a lot of adversity."
Senior Emily Borodina had four shots on goal, senior Lizzie McCracken three for Priest River, which finished the season with an 0-11-1 record.