Ravens’ Season Ends Against No. 4 Wildcats, Future Remains Bright

Hillcrest Ravens 0, West Central Valley 5

The Ravens season came to an end at #4 ranked West Central Valley on a warm Wednesday evening. The Wildcats came out strong converting a corner kick into a goal in the opening minutes. The Ravens nearly countered on a shot by Jaxson Brokaw but the ball went just wide of the goal. Play settled down as teams made adjustments and the Ravens succeeded in limiting the Wildcats chances. The Ravens defense suffered a blow when Beckett Slaubaugh suffered an ankle injury but the unit of Lincoln Miller, Simon Willems and Rhys Bender along with Landon Allen limited the Wildcats chances. The offensive unit of Angel Sambrano, Isaac Birky, Jaxson Brokay and Rowan Miller created several good opportunities but failed to find the back of the net. Just before the half, midfielder Abe Widmer went out with an injury and the Wildcats found their second goal in the closing minutes of the first half for the 2-0 half time lead. 

In the second half the Wildcats upped their pressure. Another injury, forcing Landon Allen off the field left the defensive unit thin and the Wildcats found the goal two more times. WCV finished off the scoring with 16 minutes left in the half for a final 5-0 score. Garrett Bontrager recorded 12 saves in an admirable performance. 

The Ravens finish the season at 8-8 after a 2-7 start to the season. The Ravens say goodbye to four seniors, Isaac Birky, Lincoln Miller, Rowan Miller, and Angel Sambrano. With 8 returning starters and other key players, the team is very much looking forward to next season.