BOYS SOCCER AT A GLANCE

• Head Coach: Bob Bristol, 13th season

September 8, 2008 3:13 pm
Senior midfielder Michael Castle scored 15 goals and had 11 assists for Bear Creek last season.
Senior midfielder Michael Castle scored 15 goals and had 11 assists for Bear Creek last season.

THE OVERLAKE SCHOOL OWLS

• Head Coach: Bob Bristol, 13th season

• Last Season: 7-5-2 (4th place Emerald City League), 11-7-3 overall

• 2008 player turnout: 56

Key returners

• Jr. Midfielder Sky Tweedie-Yates: Second-team all-state player is very hard worker, tough defender and aggressive going to goal.

• Jr. Defender Trevor Partingon: Excellent one-on-one defender, good offensive skills. Dangerous coming out of the back.

• Jr. Forward Hakan Yagiz: Top returning scorer, great in clutch situations and very creative with the ball.

• Jr. Defender Greg Safadago: Team leader and outstanding one-on-one defender.

• Sr. Malcolm Griffin: Lone senior out of key Owl returners is a “creative, excellent passer” according to Bristol.

Key newcomers

• Fr. Defender Joe Dolack: Very skillful player strong with both feet, will play a variety of positions.

• Fr. Forward Jesse Klug: Solid kicker with a good touch has the ability to create his own shot.

Key game

• Oct. 14 at Seattle Christian: May be the Owls’ toughest assignment all season. Playing away against 1A powerhouse favored to win league. Could be important game to set the tone coming down the home stretch and another playoff berth.

Did you know?

Dan Schoening, a 2005 graduate, plays soccer for Tufts University, located outside of Boston.

THE BEAR CREEK GRIZZLIES

• Coach: Chad Pohlman, 6th season

• Last season’s record: 11-1, Sea-Tac 2B League champions, 15-3 overall

• 2008 player turnout: 15 varsity, 15 junior varsity.

Key returners

• Sr. Midfielder Michael Castle: He will set the tone for the Grizzlies offense. He had 15 goals and 11 assists last year.

• Soph. Forward Ryan Strandin: Second-year star looks to build off monster freshman season when he scored a team-leading 26 goals.

• Jr. Defender Kyle Blankenbeckler: He will be the anchor of the Grizzlies defense, which recorded 10 shutouts last season.

Top newcomer

• Soph. Goalie Jamie Clough: First-year goalkeeper should make an impact right away.

Key game

• Sept. 13 vs. Bush: Home opener will be a good measuring stick for the Grizzlies, who look to continue their Sea-Tac League dominance.

Did you know?

The Grizzlies are seeking a third straight league title and fourth in the last five years.