DN boys soccer team downs Ferndale 4-1

The Del Norte High boys varsity soccer team made a switch Wednesday night against Ferndale.

The coaching staff moved players around and had those who normally play offense play defense and vice versa to give the squad game experience at another position.  A key reason for the change was to help the  offensive players get their defensive skills up, co-coach Jorge Gonzalez said.

While the Warriors were tied at 1-1 at the end of the first half the team started to get used to their new positions in the second half on their way to the 4-1 win.

This included a two goal performance from Travis Stac­ey, who normally plays defense.

Gonzalez said Stacey settled down in the second half and “played good soccer.”

Edwin Aguilar scored a goal as did Jalen Coney. Jonathan Olvera had two assists.

Gonzalez commended the defense for not allowing the Wildcats many scoring chances, especially in the second half.

In the girls game Del Norte lost 6-1.

At the start of the second half Alicia Mejia scored a goal on an assist from Rachel Lawrence to get Del Norte on the board.

Head coach Clar Byers was unable to attended the game due to a prior business commitment so Jackie Zlokovich, a co-coach with the boys soccer team, filled in.

She commended  Katy Suzuki for her excellent performance at both center and sweeper.

“She played everywhere,” Zlokovich said. “She kept the team together.”

The boys squad improved to 4-3 for the season while the girls fell to 0-7 for the year.

On Tuesday the Warrior boys junior varsity team faced McKinleyville on the road.

The Warriors tied the Panthers 3-3.

Del Norte was up 3-2 with around 15 minutes left in the game when the Warriors goalie got hit in the head and had to leave the game. The Panthers scored a short time later.

Luis Raya had two goals for the Warriors while Jose Ramirez had a goal.