Playoff scene

Predictions are difficult, especially given the way this season in the West Valley League has been. Teams that should have been given winner haven't seen the light of the goalpost and have fallen short. As we edge closer to the playoffs, the picture, though dim, is in fact beginning to clear up. Obviously Santiam Christian and ELC have their season placing set. Congratualations to both teams for finding your chemistry quickly and holding onto it through the quagmire of the West Valley League. Both teams should wrap up their seasons with wins over Blanchet and Dayton, respectfully. Westside Christian has a spot in the playoff for certain, but how certain is it for them to be in third place? With te tie vs. Western Mennonite and a BYE on Tuesday, they hold at 19 points. Up-and-comers, Delphian, pumped with a win over ELC (2-0) travel to Gervais Tuesday. With a win over Gervais, Delphian could pass up WC with 20 points. So far that's in 1st: SC @ 30pts, 2nd: ELC @ 24pts, 3rd: Delph @ 20 pts, 4th: WC @ 19 pts. Keeping up so far? Get ready for fifth place... Here's where it gets sticky. Three teams were looking to get a grip on the final slot for districts and a possible State berth. Before Friday's matches, Blanchet, Salem Academy, and Western Mennonite were in gridlock at 4-3-1. Even with the result at Blanchet (3-2 over Academy) SA had Tuesday for a prayerful shot at fifth - hoping Blanchet would lose to SC on Tuesday the 23rd and SA's presumed win over Colton. Given this to be true, SA would get a nod for fifth. But wait! The spoilers, Western Mennonite, tie Westside 0-0 gaining a point in the direction of the playoffs on Friday. Tuesday they play Amity, who have lost several players recently to various reasons and have played like a JV level team - forcing their last two opponents to come up with restrictions just to keep the scoring low (unsuccessfully: SA 14-0, SC 11-0 over Amity). Putting that in mind, WM should wade into fifth place shoving out both Blanchet and Salem Academy by as little as one point. Goes to show that all tied game aren't that bad!!! I am glad to have been the statistitian this year. As coach of Salem Academy Soccer, I wish our season extended, but I am real happy to see teams take a hold of their destiny and follow through and finish. See you all next year as we continue to put on our cleats like everyone else, one at a time.