There are very few do-overs in life. The Sequim High School boys soccer team got theirs last Saturday.

Toppenish, the team that beat Sequim in a state 2A tournament playoff elimination game, was disqualified because of an ineligible player. The state-imposed forfeit meant the Wolves unexpectedly advanced to the quarterfinals. It turns out the best player for Toppenish — the guy who scored three goals and assisted on four others — was over the state-mandated age limit and four years older than most of Sequim’s team.

I will spare you my shock, anger and frustration at the colossal failure of the Toppenish coaches, athletic director, players, parents and community who allowed this to happen. Call me a dinosaur (some folks already do), but I adhere to the Cretaceous belief that cheaters never prosper.

Throughout much of the world, soccer is known as “the beautiful game.” After photographing six Sequim postseason games in the span of 14 days, I more fully appreciate why.

Over those 14 days, the Wolves displayed jaw-dropping skill, speed, collective passing brilliance, defensive persistence and aerial prowess. Together they achieved success that no individual could have attained alone.

They played on cool, overcast evenings and warm, sunny days. They played in eastern Washington desert heat and western Washington foothills rain. They played under rainbows and through lightning storms. They played through injuries. They played for each other.

They honored the beautiful game.

And I’ll cherish for years to come the indelible moment after their first playoff win against Orting, when the crescent glow of the players’ smiles out-shined the sunset glow on the Olympic Mountains.

The Wolves didn’t win their do-over playoff game on Saturday against Burlington-Edison, but they won the hearts of their parents, loyal fans and head coach Dave Brasher, who has devoted the past 22 years to Sequim soccer teams.

Thank you 2018 Sequim Wolves boys soccer for the gift you gave this community all season long. You played with purpose. You played with passion. You played with integrity. Those are always winning goals — in soccer and in life.

You made history. And that, my friends, is a beautiful thing.

Dave Shreffler is a Sequim resident.