The Hillcrest Academy Raven boys soccer team saw their season end in a 5-0 loss to the fourth-ranked West Central Valley Wildcats in the second round of the Class 1A District tournament on Tuesday night.
From the opening whistle the Wildcats asserted control, out-shooting the Ravens 13-3 and holding a 4-1 edge in corner kicks, a disparity that reflected their tactical superiority.
Trajan Rummel was the catalyst for West Central Valley, delivering a hat trick and adding an assist, while Aiden Brandon contributed two goals and Gabe Gerling chipped in two assists.
Rowan Miller, the lone Raven to register shots on goal, managed two attempts before goalkeeper Garrett Bontrager turned in a dozen saves to keep the score respectable.
A Senior Send-Off
The defeat marks the end of a campaign that left Hillcrest with an 8-8 record, while the Wildcats improve to 13-1-1 and advance to the next round.
The game also served as a bittersweet farewell for four seniors — Rowan Miller, Isaac Birky, Lincoln Miller and Angel Sambrano — who will leave the program after a combined eight years of varsity experience.
Coach Dan Foster reflected on the match, noting that while the loss stings, the team’s resilience throughout the season offers a foundation for future growth.