I hate shootouts.

Can’t stand ’em. In fact, I can’t think of a more ridiculous way to end a game, particularly a state championship game. However, I am able to come up with several alternatives in other sports that would be the equivalent.

Baseball? Have a home run derby.

Basketball? Free-throw shooting contest.

Football? Field goals.

I could go on all day.

The fall prep sports season came to a close locally on Nov. 20, when Kentwood “outshot” Tahoma 5-4 in a shootout to claim its first-ever girls soccer championship. The fall season ended with as big of a bang as it did with a thud, essentially depending on what school colors you were wearing.

Regardless, I can assure you the fall season provided me – and I am sure countless others – with memories that will last a lifetime. In girls soccer, I’ll remember the block by Courtney Johnson and the heartbreak on the faces of the Tahoma players. Most of all, however, I will remember Kentwood’s Mykala Benjamin, who suffered a game-ending leg injury early in the second half and was unable to return. Moments into the wild victory celebration that ensued on the turf at Harry E. Lang Stadium in Lakewood, I noticed Benjamin out of the corner of my eye. Due to the injury, she was a late arrival to the mob-like scene, hopping gingerly on one leg, yet with an ear-to-ear grin the entire way.

But she made it.

And that’s an image I will never forget.

What else will I remember from the fall?

I will remember the Kentlake High girls soccer team advancing to the state playoffs for the first time since 2003, much in part due to the outstanding play of Laura Rayfield (8 goals, 7 assists), Kayla Maletich (7 goals, 4 assists), Katherine Miccile (6 goals, 9 assists) and Alyssa Simonson (7 goals, 7 assists). Had the Falcons not opened the state tournament with Tahoma, I firmly believe there would have been three teams from the SPSL North in the semifinals.

In cross country, I will remember the Kentridge High boys team qualifying for state for the first time since 1987. I will remember Kentridge junior Molly Shiroishi advancing to state in her first high school year in the sport. I will remember how the Kentwood boys surged late in the year thanks to gutsy performances by Danny Lunder and Will Richmond. And I will remember Kent-Meridian’s Derrick Daigre and Alexia Martin finishing higher than any other individual locals at the state meet along with the Tahoma girls taking second for the second straight year.

In football, I will remember Kentwood ending Auburn’s North Division winning streak at 27 games, and how the Conquerors delivered their first unbeaten league season since 1994.

I will remember the clutch performance by Tahoma kicker David Stoecker, who connected for a last-second 42-yard boot to beat Kentridge 36-34 only to have the play negated by a penalty. Stoecker calmly drilled a 47-yard kick moments later to seal the win again.

I will remember the weekly Herculean performances by Kent-Meridian quarterback David Jones, who finished the regular season with 2,455 yards and 31 total touchdowns (22 rushing, 9 passing), both of which are among the best in league history.

I will remember Kentlake advancing to state for the first time since 2003.

In volleyball, I will remember Kentwood bringing home its sixth state trophy in seven years, and Tahoma for winning its first SPSL North title in school history. I will remember Kent-Meridian’s Cherene O’Hara for blossoming into one of the finest and most dominant players the Royals have produced this decade.

In golf, I will remember the ease in which the Kentwood High girls cruised to the team title at the medalist tournament, and look toward the spring, when I think the Conquerors have a strong shot at winning a state title.

In the swimming pool, I will remember the consistently blazing times put forth by the Kentlake girls, who took an area-best seventh at the state meet. I will remember Kentridge’s Emily Mohr for continuing her ascension as one of the state’s best. And I will remember Kent-Meridian junior Joanna Wu, who isn’t only one of the classiest kids I’ve ever met, but also the best swimmer to come out of the East Hill school since the mid ’90s, one who very well could capture a state crown next fall.

And, of course, I will remember how much I disagree with deciding soccer games, especially state championship games, on shootouts.

Reach Erick Walker at ewalker@kentreporter.com or at 253-872-6600.

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