By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
SILVERTON, Ore.– Freshman Colt Lorentz came through in the clutch to help send Silverton into the 5A State Quarterfinals on Saturday.
It was round eight of Penalty Kicks and it came on the heels of Henry Briggs coming through with a clutch save to set up Lorentz for the possible game-winner against Hood River Valley.
“It was difficult, but I knew that with my team that we were just going to keep making them until I saved them. I had all the confidence in the world,” Briggs said
“I was focused on hitting the ball and hitting it on target,” adds Lorentz.
He succeeded. The frosh connected on the shot, going left while guiding the Eagles goalie right. The Foxes took the game 7-6 in PK’s to advance to the State Quarterfinals for the first time since the 2021-2022 season.
The Penalty Kick shootout capped an already aggressive and stressful game that saw both teams end regulation tie at one. Silverton got their goal in the opening five minutes of the game off an Isaac Limbird goal, Hood River Valley tied it up in the final 20 minutes of the second half to force overtime.
The passion was there and the grit. Both teams just battled through the adversity of the wind and the rain as the two squads looked to extend their season to Saturday. Winner had to travel to Bend to play 5A powerhouse Summit following this game.
Overtime saw more of a battle and a stalemate was still there as no decision was decided after the extra 20 minutes of play.
“It was definitely stressful,” describes Lorentz of the game.
Both teams made their first four Penalty Kicks, both missed their fifth to go into sudden death. And even then it continued as both made their shots in Rounds six and seven before Briggs’ stop and Lorentz’ made attempt to bring an end to an otherwise amazing game between the two squads.
“This is insane. First time since I’ve been here we got out of the first round and it took our whole team. It’s awesome to do that,” said Briggs.
Now it’s onto Summit on Saturday, the Storm have reached the 5A State Finals twice in the last two years, winning it all in 2023 and finishing State Runner-Up last year as Silverton will look to extend their season into next week.
“What we need to work on the most is getting it out of the box. I think we should be ready,” said Lorentz.
Photos By Jeremy McDonald
