In pre-season training camp, Ballard Beaver Head Coach Gary Hunter said a late March game against the tough Garfield Bulldogs would be a test for his veteran team. The Beavers passed that exam with flying colors and four goals while limiting the Bulldogs to just one.

The win gave Ballard a 3-0 record in KingCo and a new sense of optimism after years of seeking the winning formula in one of the best soccer leagues in the state. Ballard has also beaten Redmond 2-1, trouncing Franklin 7-0 and beating Eastlake 1-0 . The Eastlake win and a 1-1 tie with Roosevelt last Friday gives Ballard a 4-0-1 record.

The team has 13 seniors who have played in Hunter's soccer system long enough to provide enough experience and confidence for the team to predict a KingCo Tournament qualification at year's end.

Head Coach Gary Hunter says his Beavers must finish in the top six in KingCo to make the playoffs.

Miles Rydinski, one of the team captains is anticipating a big year for the red and black.

"We have a really good shot at the playoffs and hopefully go to state. We have a really good team, we have a lot of seniors and experience," said Rydinski.

Eight players on the team played together on the Rocket 88's, a select team in the Lower Woodland Club Soccer league that was fourth in the state last year.

"We have a lot of experience playing soccer together," said Rydinski.

Jonathan Bardwell (5), Josh Guarino (2), Andrew Zachary (2), Erasmo Alvarado (2), Joey Bodzewski (2), Kentro Bodzewski and Rydinski have all scored goals for the Beavers.

Guarino, Bardwell (2), Leo Granstorm, Zachary, Matt Hess, Jacob Bryne, Alvarado and Rydinski all had assists.

Goalkeepers Kenichi Sato and Nick Sangrey combined to shut out Franklin.

Hunter said this is one of his best teams at Ballard. "All the kids have been in the program. They know what to expect. They have matured together," he said.

While others spring sports like baseball and softball often cancel games due to rain, soccer players compete regardless of the weather.

Assistant Coach Val Seid, who coached the Ballard girls into the KingCo Tournament in the fall is handling the team's offense.

"They will do well. The boys have heart this year, that will help them," said Seid.

Last year the team lost six straight games by a 1-0 score. "They were nail biters all the way," said Seid.

"This year we have everything worked out," said Rydinski.

Soccer powers Eastlake and Inglemoor from the eastside schools will also challenge the emerging Beavers for dominance in KingCo.

On April 13 Ballard travels to Woodinville.