When Durango High School girls soccer head coach Dalon Parker was putting together the team’s schedule for the season, he faced a dilemma. In the final week of the regular season, Parker had the choice of scheduling a team he knew his Demons could walk over or put them up against a juggernaut.
Parker chose the latter, and Friday’s game at Pine Creek saw Durango (11-4, 9-1 4A/5A Southwestern League) test its skill against the Colorado High School Activities Association’s fifth-ranked team in Class 5A. Pine Creek (13-2, 6-0 5A Colorado Springs Metro) controlled most of the action and overwhelmed the Demons in a 6-0 shutout for the Eagles’ 13th consecutive win.
“We have a couple of options when its the end of the year, and I chose to play a powerhouse,” Parker said in a phone interview with The Durango Herald. “It gave us a chance to see what we needed to work, and it gave them a chance to show why they’re fifth in 5A.”
Parker noted the girls were caught off guard and impressed at how quickly their opponents moved the ball. Pine Creek’s skill was evident early, as the hosts put up four first-half goals. The Eagles added two more goals in the second half to put the finishing touches on another dominant performance.
Durango will need a short memory, as it will learn its CHSAA Class 4A first-round playoff opponent Sunday. The Demons’ nine wins were tied at the top of the SWL, and Parker expects to host at least one playoff game at Riverview Park.
“A 9-1 record in this league should get us a top-12 seed,” he said. “I foresee us hosting an opening-round game, but you never know. The committee will put us where they see fit, and we’ll play hard no matter where that is.”
jfries@durangoherald.com
