Seamless effort

The Camas High School boys soccer team made the last five minutes of each half count in a 3-0 victory against Hockinson Monday, at Doc Harris Stadium.

Hawks’ goalkeeper Jack Bloss swatted away a series of kicks by the Papermakers in the first half. He deflected a penalty shot by Bennett Lehner, but Cayne Cardwell recovered the ball and kicked it into the net before Bloss could get back to his feet.

“I’m always trying to be at the right place at the right time, and take the opportunity when it arises,” Cardwell said. “I was lucky it came right to me.”

Head coach Roland Minder called Cardwell’s goal “perfect positioning and reaction.” The Papermakers needed a shot in the arm after so many chances in the first half went spoiled.

“I was happy with how we played as the game developed,” Minder said. “They are a good team. They played aggressive and they had a great keeper. A lot of our chances were snuffed. You have to give them credit.”

The outcome remained in doubt until Camas added two more goals in the final five minutes. Cameron Eyman took a crazy route to a corner kick by Lehner and nicked the ball into the net off the back of his heel. Danny Wing headed in the third goal just before time expired.

“The second goal was crucial. Beautiful effort by Cam,” Cardwell said. “After Danny’s header, you couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Eyman said Hockinson caught Camas off guard with their swift defense. It reminded the Papermakers not to take any team for granted.

“This is our opportunity to tie up all the loose ends,” Eyman said. “The least we can do is give it our all.”

Camas defeated Prairie 5-0 Saturday, at Prairie High School. Wing, Lehner, Tyler Vela, Eyman and Jakob Cavin scored goals. Cardwell, Cavin and Lucas Ulmer delivered assists.

The Papermakers face Columbia River Friday, at Kiggins Bowl, and travel to Bonney Lake Saturday. Both games begin at 4 p.m.

“Each game we are looking to play more as a team,” Cardwell said. “Connect, bond and play for each other.”