The boys’ soccer team this year has had one of the most successful seasons for both JV and Varsity. This year had one of the most promising years of buildup. Right from open play and tryouts, the depth and competition level showed stronger than previous years. The varsity roster was stacked with experience, including 17 seniors. The two teams came into the season with a target on their back, as the varsity team were back-to-back district champions while hoping for a third consecutive win and JV came as defending district champions.
The season started as good as it could have as both teams remained undefeated throughout most of the season. Varsity ended the season as 12-0-2 (12 wins, 2 losses) and JV 11-1-1(11 wins, 1 tie, and1 loss). As districts approached the varsity team, they had difficult challenge of beating Timberline in the quarterfinals to advance. It was intense, but Rocky pulled out the 2-0 win both goals from David Muyolo (No. 7) which moved them on to play Owyhee in the semis. Rocky had two goals against with about 15 minutes from being eliminated from districts. Then, Camden Shepard (No. 19) scored a goal to make it 2-1, then Tydan Doyle (No. 33) made it 2-2, finally Taif Alsaadi (No. 18) scored the game winning goal to compete the comeback 3-2. This win guaranteed the opportunity to fight for their chance of being district champions for the third consecutive time.
On October 16th, the district championship was held at Owyhee High School with the two finalists, The Mountain View Mavericks and the Rocky Mountain Grizzlies. Right from the start rocky was explosive with winning tackles, ball movement, and keeping possession in the final third. As halftime approached, the score remained 0-0. The second half began, and Rocky came with the even more intensity and Kevin Juarez (No. 17) scored a 35-yard goal into the top left corner, putting Rocky at a 1-0 lead. This shifted any momentum that the Mavericks had and moments later Marshal Nicholas (No. 27) scored on a penalty kick, making the score 2-0 Rocky. Rocky wasn’t done as David Muyolo (No. 7) grabbed another goal for the dominant 3-0 score for the Grizzlies. As the final whistle blew, the boys varsity team took the title of district champions for the third time in a row.
This week they approach State as the number 1 seed. In an interview Michael Nishikawa was asked, “How does it feel knowing that you’re going to be going to state?” and he replied with “Great. Feels great. It’s a big accomplishment.” Winning state is an amazing accomplishment, and the team needed their strongest players. So, several of the JV players were pulled up to the varsity team just for state. Liam Allred and Kyler Nishikawa were interviewed about the team and what it feels like being pulled up for state. When asked the question, “How do you feel about being pulled up on varsity for state?” Kyler Nishikawa stated, “I’m excited for it. I’m a little nervous, but I think it’s going to be fun to play with them.” When asked the same question, Liam Allred explained how the feeling was rewarding.
All in all, the Rocky Mountain boys’ soccer teams have been very accomplishing, and they represent Rocky in its best way. The depth and bonds that are formed from these teams and achieving such amazing things are what truly make the team their team.
