SPSL NORTH BOYS SOCCER: AT A GLANCE
• FAVORITE: Jefferson.
• CONTENDERS: Kentwood, Tahoma, Auburn Riverside.
• SLEEPERS: Mount Rainier, Kentridge, Kentlake.
• LEAGUE OUTLOOK: Jefferson returns a loaded bunch, including four first-team all-leaguer returners (Chase Hanson, Kasey Kim, Jimmy Oganga and Isidro Prado-Huerta). Kentwood knocked off the Raiders 2-1 in the season opener, but Jefferson still remains the favorite going forward simply due to the wealth of talent back on the field. Jefferson, which won last year’s league crown by two games, brought back 28 of its 46 goals scored a year ago. To put that number in perspective, no other team in last year’s North scored 28 goals all season. … Kentwood looks like its going to make a push this spring. After stunning Jefferson, the Conquerors went on to work a 1-1 tie with Kentlake and — after throttling Kentridge 7-2 — another with Mount Rainier. That’s a good indication as to how balanced the North will be this spring. Like Jefferson, Kentwood returns an abundance of talent, led by first-team returners Eli Peterson (defense) and Jared Fuller (midfielder). Fuller is returning from a broken leg suffered in the final game of the 2010 season, but has appeared at full strength early on this season. Behind Jefferson and Kentwood, Tahoma and Auburn Riverside both will remain a threat. The Bears bolted out to a 3-0-2 record behind stingy defensive play. With first-team midfielder Britton Jolley and second-team forward Jordan Downing back in fold, Tahoma remains as athletic as ever and should contend. Meanwhile, Seamount League transplant Mount Rainier cannot be overlooked. The Rams have qualified for state in four of the last five years and took second at the Class 3A level a year ago. Mount Rainier replaces Federal Way, which took fourth in Class 4A last spring, so it’s a pretty even tradeoff between the programs. The Rams opened the season with back-to-back wins over K-M and Auburn before coming back to earth with losses to heavyweights Tahoma and Jefferson. … Though Kentridge is going young this year, formidable talent remains, especially with Estebon Tobon (midfield), Sam Piehler (midfield) and Wes Concepcion back on the pitch. The top five teams in the North advance to the postseason and the Chargers should be knocking on the 4-5 door by season’s end. … Kentlake received a boost when Daniel Landram returned after a year off. Combined with standouts Greg Gordon (midfielder), Kyle Koon (defense) and Brandon Shipley (goal), the Falcons have the talent to make a playoff push. Kentlake coach Kyle Jones, who guided the Falcons to the program’s lone playoff berth in 2008, is in his final season with the team.
CIRCLE ON THE CALENDAR
Jefferson at Kentwood (French Field), April 12, 7 p.m.: Kentwood stunned TJ 2-1 in the season opener. The rematch should be a dandy.
Kentlake at Kentridge (French Field), April 22, 7:30 p.m.: Two teams looking for a playoff berth, this one could be pivotal.
Kentlake at Tahoma, April 30, 7:30 p.m.: With two games remaining on the regular-season schedule after this one, plenty of playoff implications ride on this late-season matchup.
Kentridge at Kent-Meridian (French Field), May 3, 7:30 p.m.: This matchup could decide the playoff fate for both teams.
Kentwood at Tahoma, May 6, 7:30 p.m.: Season finale between two longtime rivals.
SPSL NORTH: PLAYERS TO WATCH
NAME SCHOOL POS. YR.
Jared Fuller Kentwood Midfielder Sr.
Notable: Back from a broken leg, first-teamer is one of league’s best.
Chase Hanson Jefferson Midfielder Sr.
Notable: League MVP contender scored six goals in TJ’s first five games
Britton Jolley Tahoma Midfielder Sr.
Notable: Senior first-teamer makes things happen for the Bears.
Brandon Shipley Kentlake GK Sr.
Notable: Quietly has developed into one of the toughest goalkeepers in the area.
Eli Peterson Kentwood Defender Jr.
Notable: Three-year starter leads a vaunted Kentwood defense.
Sam Piehler Kentridge Midfielder Sr.
Notable: Kentridge leader will be focus of offense this spring.
Jimmy Oganga Jefferson Midfielder Sr.
Notable: Coupled with Hanson, gives TJ a state-caliber 1-2 punch.
Greg Gordon Kentlake Midfielder Jr.
Notable: Quickly has emerged as Kentlake’s go-to guy this spring.
Klo Wah Shee Kent-Meridian Midfielder Jr.
Notable: Tremendous ballhandler should crack all-league status.
Wes Concepcion Kentridge Defense Sr.
Notable: Veteran is anchor to a tough Kentridge defense.
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