A pair of tough games against the top teams in the Olympic League have Sequim’s boys soccer squads in a battle with Bremerton and North Mason for the league’s No. 2 spot at the district tourney.

The state-championship runner-up Vikings, ranked No. 2 in the WIAA’s Class 2A RPI this season, made things difficult for the Wolves from the opening kick and ran away with a 7-2 victory in Poulsbo on April 23.

“North Kitsap is such a composed and confident team, and when you go into the match with an ‘already beaten’ mentality it’s hard to get out of your head,” Sequim coach Dave Breckenridge said. “They came out to prove why they are undefeated and runner-up state finishers.

“We just couldn’t clean up our simple mistakes and connect a string of passes. They were at 100 percent and we were at 50 percent the first half.”

Breckenridge said Sequim rallied defensively, allowing just one goal on an own goal.

“[In the] second half we decided to change the mentality and hold them to zero goals and possess more,” Breckenridge said. “I feel we did do that and other than an own goal we held them.”

Spartans prevail

Two days later, Sequim fell to 4-0 to the 3A Bainbridge Spartans, an 11-win squad.

Short-handed along their back line, Sequim adapted defensively and learned a little about the team’s capabilities going forward.

“The boys did what they could with missing pieces gone,” Breckenridge said. “Jack Henninger and Simon Hare, our defensive duo were out.

“Sam Stewart, Colin Feik, Ky Henderson and Colton Wagner had to figure out a game plan to stop the speedy front line from coming through. It took a first have to figure out what changes needed to be made to stop the bleeding. We moved a couple of pieces and were able to hold them to fewer goals in the second half.”

Breckenridge said Josh Alcarez and goalkeeper Nolan Valenzuela each played well.

“Josh played with a vengeance; he never stopped running and pressing the ball,” Breckenridge said. “Nolan had an amazing game stopping well over 10 shots on goal. He loves playing against his fellow club mates from Bainbridge Island, he seems to find a different level that was very fun to watch.”

Injuries had players playing out of position as well.

“We found that some boys thrived in other positions than what they normally play,” Breckenridge said.

The Wolves (5-6 in league and overall) headed into this week three points behind Bremerton for the No. 2 postseason spot behind NK. Sequim was scheduled to host Bremerton on April 30; results and details were not available at press time.

Looking ahead

The Wolves cap the regular season at Kingston on May 2.

The West Central Bi-District tournament is slated for May 7-11 at various locations, with 16 teams vying for six class 2A state tourney berths.