Stillwater's title defense begins

This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Stillwater Christian boys soccer team.

Instead, the Cougars went 10-5-2 this season and are aiming at winning their eighth state title in a row in the Montana Christian Athletic Association.

The Cougars are the top seed from the West at today's state tournament hosted at Stillwater Christian.

SCS opens plays at noon against fourth-seeded Great Falls Home School.

The last year the Cougars came away without a state title was 2002. Stillwater finished second that year.

The Cougars' offensive attack is led by sophomore Josh Bray, who has scored nine goals in the last four games. Junior sweeper Cody Harmon anchors the defense. The team's captains are junior Ryan Koch and senior Zach Waldher.

Head coach Timothy Anderson described this year's team as a "dedicated, unselfish group of hard working underclassmen and three committed seniors. They are focused on team play, not individual goals. Each player gives everything in practice and games."

Seeds

East

No. 1 Yellowstone Christian Home School (YCHS)

No. 2 Foothills Community Christian

No. 3 Heritage Christian School (Heritage)

No. 4 Great Falls Home School (GFHS)

West

No. 1 Stillwater Christian School (SCS)

No. 2 Helena Christian School (HCS)

No. 3 Mission Valley Christian Academy

No. 4 Stillwater Christian JV (SCS JV)

Opening Round

Today

Noon - SCS vs. GFHS

1:30 p.m. - FCCS vs. MVCA

3 p.m. - HCS vs. Heritage

4:30 p.m. - YCHS vs. SCS JV.