Photo: Seniors Teanna Clark and Morgan Politika will help lead a strong Roughriders soccer team
By Oly Archibald
PORT ANGELES — The Port Angeles Roughriders soccer team is tired of finishing in third place behind state powers Bainbridge and North Kitsap. This could be the year the Roughriders make a serious run at an Olympic League championship. With a strong class of six seniors, there’s no doubt they have a shot.
The Roughriders open their season tomorrow at Shoreline against always-tough Class 1A King’s, with kickoff at 1:00. King’s won the 2017 State Championship.
The six Roughrider seniors are an athletic group led by state javelin champion Teanna Clark. Goalkeeper Kennedy Rognlien is considered one of the top goalies in the state and also earned All-League honors as a second baseman for the Roughriders fastpitch team. Becca Manson was a starter on the Roughriders’ state basketball team last winter, while Pyper Alton brings her fearless style from the track—she’s had plenty of collisions in her No. 42 Legends race car. Cayleigh Alward and Allison Fricker would love to cap their senior seasons with a league title.
Roughriders junior Sophia Ritchie, seen here, will be joined by senior Pyper Alton on tonight’s Roughriders VIP Halftime Show.
The team also boasts experience across the roster. Juniors Brooke Pierce, Morgan Politika, and Sophia Ritchie all return with varsity time, as do sophomores Lilly Anne Lancaster, Mariah Traband, and Maddie Walton. Head coach Dan Horton said he’s excited to see Audrey Rudd step into a full-time varsity role, noting she’s expected to make an immediate impact. The Roughriders also picked up a standout freshman transfer: Emma Desjardins from Sequim, who brings skill and athleticism.
Coach Horton said, “We return a lot of talent and experience, and this senior group has led the way since they broke into the varsity lineup as freshmen. We’ve spent a lot of time on the field and in the weight room, and we’re excited to see how we stack up against Bainbridge and North Kitsap. Kingston should be strong, and Sequim always gives us their absolute best.”
In other soccer action last night, Sequim fell on the road to Squalicum, 7–2. Ruby Horgan Moxley and Lily Sparks scored the goals for the Wolves.
Football Tonight
High school football season kicks off tonight for Sequim and Port Angeles.
The Wolves travel to Forks, a team they beat last year 35–26. Sequim will start a young offensive line featuring Duran Ward, Chevy Kelvey, and Gavin Albers at center, along with experienced players Eli Miller and Warren Nichols. Sophomore Kaiden Miller takes over at quarterback, while senior Liam Wiker is set for a big year at tailback. Zeke Schmadeke, Josiah Tuller, and Malachi Hampton will rotate through multiple formations to create one-on-one mismatches. Kickoff in Forks is set for 7:00.
Meanwhile, the Port Angeles Roughriders will host the Mount Baker Mountaineers. Mount Baker beat PA 49–22 in last year’s opener. The Roughriders will start Jude Wallace at quarterback, joined in the backfield by running backs Lane Wilson and Dylan Mann, both of whom had strong offseasons in the weight room. Wallace’s targets in the passing game will include Easton Fisher, Oliver Martinez, and Henry Zelinka.
The Roughriders kick off tonight against Mount Baker.
The starting offensive line features Rodolfo Armenta, Hunter Flores, Michael Wilhelm at center, and Quinn Messersmith at guard. The Roughriders also landed a key transfer: big offensive tackle Michael Kodis from Austin, Texas.
You can catch all the live action on KONP Newsradio. Coverage begins at 5:05 with The Enemy Coaches Show featuring Mountaineer head coach Ron Lepper. The Dustin Clark Show follows, along with The Roughriders Locker Room Show highlighting seniors Lane Wilson and Easton Fisher. The VIP Halftime Show will feature Roughrider soccer players Sophia Ritchie and Pyper Alton. Play-by-play is with Oly Archibald, color commentary from Greg Thomas, and game analysis by former Roughrider Parker Nickerson.