Huskies defend their home field against East Valley

OTHELLO — The Othello Huskies (5-1) played a tight game against East Valley (7-1) Tuesday evening, where a single score by Huskies junior Orlando Farias won the game. Following what the Othello coaches called a “gutsy win,” the Huskies prepare to head deeper into league play as the season heats up. 

“Our game plan to come into (Tuesday) was to see what we were able to do,” said Huskies Assistant Coach Kevin Hensley. “Combat their style of play, the way they play out of the back. Apply pressure there and make things uncomfortable for them. Hope to get a goal early in the match and then play with a defensive mindset from that point forward.” 

The lone score of the evening came in the first half, when Othello freshman Tomas Solano assisted Farias in putting the ball in the back of the net to put the score 1-0. The Huskies continued to put pressure on East Valley for the remainder of the half. 

Coming out of halftime, the Huskies put up a strong defensive display with Edgar Sanchez, Miguel Sandoval, Johndel Garcia, Guillermo Chavez and Elijah Vasquez making plays to keep the ball in Othello’s possession. The Huskies closed out the game to give East Valley their first loss of the season. 

When East Valley took shots on goal, the Huskies’ freshman keeper Giovanni Tapia made blocks to shut out the opposing offensive front. Farias, a first-time varsity player, was highlighted by the coaches as he leads the team with five goals on the season. 

“They did what we asked them to do,” said Hensley. “They played with a lot of heart, they played with a lot of teamwork and they gutted it out. Some of those guys played for the entire 80 minutes and we’re really proud of the effort that they gave.” 

Coach Hensley has been acting as the interim head coach for the Huskies while Head Coach Bernie Garza takes time to rest after suffering a medical emergency last Thursday.  

Hensley said the Huskies gained a boost in momentum following their third league victory, and he wants the team to ride that momentum for their upcoming games.  

“We’ve got big games coming up; everything’s a league game from now on and they’re all games that we expect to win, and we’re going to push our guys to be successful in those games,” he said. “Momentum is a huge thing in high school sports, no matter what the sport is, so we’ve got to ride that momentum wave.” 

Even with the success of Tuesday’s game, the coaches said there is still a lot they want the Huskies to work on as they get ready for their upcoming games such as finishing in front of the goal and putting up a tighter defense.  

“Our guys played a good clean game,” said Hensley. “We played physically, didn’t let the emotions get the best of us and that’s the way we’re going to play it. If that’s our style of play, I’ll take it.” 

The Huskies head on the road Saturday to face the Ephrata Tigers at noon. 

BOX SCORE 

EVLY: 0-0: 0 

OTHL: 1-0: 1

    Orlando Farias, a junior from Othello, races alongside an East Valley player while making a push toward the goal. Farias leads the team in scoring with five goals this season.
  

    Othello sophomore Samuel Marroquin takes the ball along the sideline as he looks for an open teammate.
  

    Carlos Huaracha, a senior from the Huskies, races a player from East Valley as they chase the ball Tuesday evening.
  

    Huskies freshman Tomas Solano gains control of the ball as he makes a push downfield.
  

    Andrew Sorenson, a senior from Othello, chases after a player from East Valley and tries to take possession of the ball for the Huskies.