Conflicting award lists had more than a few coaches around the state scratching their heads. Count Durango High School soccer coach Dalon Parker among them.
The Demons finished the 2016 boys soccer season 17-2 and fell in the Class 4A state semifinals to eventual state champion The Classical Academy. Goalkeeper Trey Furnas recorded 13 shutouts and allowed only two goals the entire regular season. That performance was honored by a Colorado High School Soccer Coaches Association First Team All-State selection.
However, Furnas was not named to the first team on the All-Southwestern League team in a vote by the league’s coaches, instead being designated to the second team. Because of that, he was not eligible to be selected to the Colorado High School Activities Association All-State team.
“I’m very upset at the Southwestern League,” Parker said. “I don’t know how a kid has only two goals scored on him and gets 13 shutouts and is a league champion and gets second-team all-conference.
“It’s a typical slap in the face to Durango versus teams like Grand Junction and Fruita and that area. It should be a no-brainer. It’s mind boggling because the Fruita goalkeeper’s stats don’t even compare. Now, when All-State comes out, we’re a victim of being screwed by our league. It’s why I’m constantly pushing to get out of this league. We shouldn’t be here. We don’t get equal play in this league.”
Parker had a chance to argue Furnas’ case during the coaches meeting, and he was an easy pick for the CHSSCA First Team.
Durango seniors Camden Garland and Connor Henry along with junior Elijah Fenton were selected to the All-SWL First Team, making them eligible for CHSAA selection. Fenton was named to the CHSAA and CHSSCA Class 4A All-State Second Team, while Garland and Henry were honorable mention picks in both.
Fenton led the Demons with 36 points on 11 goals and 14 assists.
“With Eli, I think how valuable he is to our team was not shown in the stats,” Parker said. “He did a lot, and he did something different this year where he produced a lot less statewise. He was a huge part in our scoring opportunities, our defense and the midfield. It’s a testament to the team when the so-called best player on the team’s stats are down and you’re still running through teams.”
Parker said Garland and Henry helped leave a legacy as DHS soccer players. Henry had five goals and three assists while controlling the pace of the game at midfield, and Garland was an integral part of one of the best defensive back lines in the state.
“They represent the true meaning of what our program stands for,” Parker said. “They play with grit and fight and hard work and determination. They showed the underclassmen what it takes to be an All-State player, and that’s a gift they’ve given the program.”
In the SWL, Grand Junction’s Jake Chaffetz was the Player of the Year, while Parker and Grand Junction head coach Stephen Latta were named Co-Coaches of the Year. Durango beat Grand Junction by a combined 4-1 margin this year.
In the first year under head coach Chris Zoltowski, the Wolverines had a resurgent boys soccer season.
Zoltowski was named the Class 3A Intermountain League Coach of the Year after guiding the team to a 5-6-4 record.
Senior Finlay Marshall also was named to the All-IML First Team after recording 28 points on 11 goals and six assists. On top of that, senior goalkeeper Austin Bushnell was named the league’s Goalkeeper of the Year with a 1.8 goals against average. He made 72 saves while allowing 17 goals in 11 games.
Bayfield’s Colton Fine was an All-IML Second Team selection. He had two goals and four assists.
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
