North thrives as Narrows Bridge No. 1

Published 7:00 pm Saturday, April 15, 2006

POULSBO — Champions exude confidence because they always believe.

Without getting too far ahead of itself, the North Kitsap boys’ soccer team has displayed this mentality since mid-March, and the momentum that has been created continues.

The Vikings’ 7-0-1 start — the best North Kitsap has seen in nearly half a decade — has players heading into every game knowing they are a great team.

“We know we can win. We know that we’re good. We just need to keep coming out like that,” said senior captain Steven Prevost. “I feel great. I feel like we can go far. I’m hoping to make it to state and make an impact there, not only for this year but for years to come.”

The Vikes have been steadily setting that tone, making quiet, but solid statements throughout the first half of the season. And in the first game back from Spring Break, NK showed its resiliency.

Facing another of this year’s Narrows’ breakout teams, the Olympic Trojans, North found itself down quick as slip-ups allowed Oly to score with two quick goals.

Arturo Urquieta scored off a Paul Newling assist in the 16th minute and Cody Clark followed with an unassisted goal in the 20th minute, giving the Trojans the early advantage.

“We made some changes,” said NK coach Pat Stickney. “When Josh Gilson started developing as a sweeper, that allowed me to move Steven (Prevost) up and that’s what sparked our comeback in the Oly game.”

Taylor Mason assisted Prevost in the 31st minute to get NK on the board. In the second half, Prevost took over.

First, he assisted Zach Sampson in the 51st minute to tie the game, then he canned the winning goal off an assist from Kjell Trettewick in the 55th minute to complete the comeback.

“Steve (Prevost) is a big fast target and a good finisher,” Stickney said, adding “and a good field leader as well.”

Prevost is part of a 10-man senior class which is one of the biggest North has seen in recent years, but experience and leadership is radiating from players throughout the class ranks, Stickney said.

“Our strongest group is not necessarily all the seniors, we have some sophomores that are very, very good,” Stickney said, highlighting to midfielders Gilson and Craig Gracey. “Tonight, we had an opportunity to play the boys that haven’t been getting enough playing time and that was nice to see.”

The Vikings hosted Port Angeles under gray skies April 13 and sealed the game early in the first half.

Carlos Portillo and Prevost kicked the Vikings onto the scoreboard early with two unassisted goals in the 7th and 17th minutes, respectively. In the 19th minute, PA’s Jaisal White inadvertently added another NK goal, giving the Vikes a 3-0 lead before the halfway mark of the first half.

“I was able to look at the possibility of who will be in that central area next year after these seniors leave,” Stickney said.

Junior James May scored one more goal with ease off a Carlos Portillo assist and the Roughriders couldn’t get back in the saddle. Consistent and relentless NK attacks created frustration in the PA net and from that point on, the Vikings cruised.

Sophomore keeper Devin Langaker picked up his fourth shutout of the season.

Next up, the Vikes travel to take on Central Kitsap at 3:30 p.m. April 18 on the Silverdale Stadium turf. Then they will be back in Poulsbo hosting Bremerton at 6:45 p.m. April 21.