WP Tigers Go 12-0

PRESCOTT - The WP Tigers gave Homecoming crowds in Prescott reason to cheer and holler Friday evening as they slayed St. George's Dragons and defended their title as league champs.

The Tigers did a short victory parade during halftime at the WP Cardinals Homecoming game against Tri Cities Prep and were welcomed by thunderous applause from the Waitsburg crowd.

The Tigers are 12-0 after beating the Spokane team for the second time this season. Friday's 3-1 score keeps the Tigers at number two in the state for a 2B/1B team and means they are now the first-ever, first-year soccer team to have a 12-0 record this far into the season.

quot;Every coach dreams of a season like this,quot; said Tigers head coach Rick Hamilton. quot;I feel blessed to be able to start the program like this. We hope to have a 16-0 perfect season. That would be a feat.quot;

The odds are in the Tigers' favor. The only other team in the state right now with a matching record is LaConner, a west-coast team the Tigers won't face until state - which is just four games away.

In an earlier match with St. George, a tough team ranked fifth in the league, the Tigers won 3-2. Hamilton knew Friday's game would be challenging. St. George was out for blood after a previous mauling by the Tigers earlier this season. The score that first time around was 3-2 in the Tigers' favor.

quot;But when other teams start getting tired, my kids still have a lot of energy,quot; Hamilton said. quot;And at every game, when you need someone to step up and be a big player, they always come through.quot;

Friday's game was Miquel Velazco's turn. quot;Miquel had a game today,quot; coach Hamilton said.

Velazco scored all three of the Homecoming points, but not without major support from his teammates. Both Omar Virgen and Cesar Mungia assisted. And the Tigers' defenders worked hard to keep the Dragons away from the net.

quot;As a coach, I couldn't ask for a better group of kids,quot; Hamilton said Friday night after the game.

The Tigers play three of their four remaining games this week -- WWVA on Monday, Dayton Tuesday and on Saturday they head to Moses Lake to play the Lions.