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Varsity 541 NEWS NOW Gymnastics coach again admits to secret filming ... Police say honey-oil production sparked explosive fire ... Possible ODFW license hack reveals how tax fraud can occur ... Gymnastics coach again admits to secret filming ... Police say honey-oil production sparked explosive fire ... Possible ODFW license hack reveals how tax fraud can occur ... PREP NOTEBOOK Girls soccer highlights North-South tilts Comment By Kris Henry Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 28, 2015 at 6:57 PM Updated Sep 28, 2015 at 8:47 PM By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 28, 2015 at 6:57 PM Updated Sep 28, 2015 at 8:47 PM » Social News It may be the last line of protection but defense will be at the forefront today when the girls soccer programs at North Medford and South Medford high schools face off to highlight a host of Black and Blue affairs tonight. South Medford registered eight shutouts one year ago and allowed more than one goal only once en route to its second straight Southwest Conference championship. North Medford built up its defensive momentum toward the end of a historic campaign in 2014, finishing with 10 shutouts — including four 1-0 victories to open the state playoffs — en route to a runner-up showing at the Class 6A level. “We defend, that’s what we do and that’s our motto,” North Medford head coach Jeff Thomas said Monday. “It may be a little boring but our best players choose to do the right thing for the team and play on that backline and we build from there.” A handful of new faces have been tasked with taking over for their stingy predecessors at each school but both girls programs appear to be rounding into form heading into today’s 6 p.m. game on Field 10 at U.S. Cellular Community Park. North Medford stands 6-1-1 overall and 4-0 in SWC play after outscoring its opponents a combined 22-8 thus far. South Medford is right there as well at 6-2 and 3-1 with a 32-9 advantage in goals. “I think defense is one of the strong suits of our team,” said South Medford head coach Chris Hollewijn. “I don’t want to sound repetitive but I think defense is going to be anyone’s cornerstone to success.” The teams exchanged 1-0 victories one year ago, with North winning 2-1 and the teams tying 4-4 in 2013 to set up a co-championship in the conference. In other Black and Blue matchups tonight, the boys soccer teams will square off at 7 p.m. at South Medford High and the volleyball teams meet at 6:45 at North Medford High. The South Medford boys own a 5-1-2 overall record and are 3-0-1 in the SWC, tied with North Medford (3-3-2 overall). The Panthers, led by seniors Josue Reyes and Kyle Owings, are on a three-game winning streak and have outscored their opponents 32-11 thus far. The Black Tornado, anchored by senior goalkeeper Eric Benitez, has scored 12 times against 15 goals allowed. In volleyball, North Medford is 6-8 overall and 3-3 in SWC play and will be seeking to halt a three-game losing skid. The Black Tornado, led by senior outside hitter Emily Carter, has won 15 sets out of 39 this season. South Medford, guided by senior setter Kelsey Bartlett, is 0-8 and 0-6 but is coming off a solid showing in a five-set loss to Willamette. North and South each have only three seniors on their up-and-coming rosters. None of tonight’s matchups are make-or-break contests for either team but it’s always fun when the Black Tornado and Panthers get together due to the familiarity among the players and how competitive the games typically are regardless of win-loss records. “We’re feeling pretty good going in against South,” said Thomas. “We know they’re a well-coached team and have some great players. We’re just hoping we can stay positive and stay humble and get through tomorrow and improve from where we are today.” Added Hollewijn: “It’s always a very exciting game and obviously it’s a rivalry game and there’s little bit more on the line than just any other game but, at the same time, I’d say our mentality is to try and treat it like it is any other game. We still have a lot of games to play this season and, to our girls credit, they’ve done a good job of focusing on the task at hand.” Of the eight goals allowed thus far by North Medford, half came in a 4-0 nonleague loss to Summit, which has won the last three 5A state titles. Black Tornado senior Sarah Thomas and juniors Meghan Cowan and Michala Denn return to stabilize the defense, with freshman Mileka Hegeman joining the veteran group. In goal, first-year varsity players Melissa Tonkin (junior) and Brinley O’Neill (freshman) continue to split time and produce for the Black Tornado and have combined on three shutouts. “I think we’re pretty satisfied with our progress,” said coach Thomas. “We continue to get better every game and we’re hoping we can compete with South and make it a good game.” After graduating 10 seniors, South Medford has reshaped its back line to complement senior goalkeeper McKenzie Kapp, who has twice been named to the all-SWC first team. Seniors Maddie Eaton, Sara Smith and Andie DeVries have helped set the tone with junior Logan Billy and freshman Baylee Smith. “I’m confident with our group,” said Hollewijn. “I really think it’s a really good group of players with a good team attitude and they’re exciting to watch. It’s always going to be a fun game with North and going to be competitive so I’m excited for it.” As a matter of record, especially giving the stingy nature of both teams, today’s matchups on the pitch are only 80-minute affairs. The Southwest Conference does not settle soccer matches in overtime or with penalty kick shootouts. Reach reporter Kris Henry at 541-776-4488, [email protected], www.facebook.com/krishenryMT or www.twitter.com/Kris_Henry By Kris Henry Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Kris Henry Mail Tribune Posted Sep. 28, 2015 at 6:57 PM Updated Sep 28, 2015 at 8:47 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction Schedules & Events --> Recent Scores --> Prep Notebook Kris Henry Challengers make it back on top in softball Winning the Southern Cascade League title seemed like a pretty bold goal this spring considering the recent history of the Cascade Christian... 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