PAPERMAKERS WAY

There's a new street name going into town this spring, and it's for the Papermakers. On Jan. 19, the Camas High School cheerleaders, runner Yacine Guermali and members of the girls soccer and football teams celebrated a banner fall season that produced three state champions. Camas Mayor Scott Higgins proclaimed Jan. 19, 2017, as "Yacine Guermali Appreciation Day." On Nov. 5, 2016, Guermali became the first CHS athlete to win a Class 4A state cross country championship race. In a field of more than 150 runners at the Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco, Guermali crossed the finish line first in 15 minutes, 12 seconds. Higgins then proclaimed Jan. 22 to 28, 2017, as "Camas High School Girls Soccer Team Appreciation Week." The Papermakers captured the 4A state championship with a record of 21 wins, no losses and one tie to Sherwood, who went on to win the Oregon 6A championship. Eleven CHS players made the Greater St. Helens All-League team and 15 received academic honors. The girls also set team records with 89 goals scored, 67 assists, 20 shutouts and only two goals given up in 22 games. Higgins also proclaimed Jan. 29 to Feb. 4, 2017, as "Camas High School Football Team Appreciation Week." The 14-0 Papermakers defeated Central Catholic and Sherwood, Oregon; Davis, Yakima; Couer d'Alene, Idaho; Sunnyside, Washington; Battle Ground, Skyview, Heritage and Union in league; and Enumclaw, Graham-Kapowsin, Skyline, Sumner and Richland in the playoffs to become the 4A state champions. Higgins wrapped up his speech by saying Southeast 15th Street, the road in front of Camas High School, will be ceremonially re-named "Papermakers Way" this spring. The MaxPreps "Tour of Champions" stopped in Camas to honor the Papermaker girls soccer and football teams. According to a press release, MaxPreps Computer Rankings are used to determine the team rank for the Tour of Champions. The more a team wins, the higher the ranking, but the system also takes into account quality of wins (against other highly ranked opponents), margin of victory and strength of schedule. The CHS girls soccer team finished No. 1 in the country, edging out Walsh Jesuit (21-1), of Cuhahoga Falls, Ohio, by one point in the rankings. "To be mentioned as the number-one team in the nation by MaxPreps is exciting and is a great reflection of our community," said head coach Roland Minder. The CHS football team earned the No. 22 national ranking. "Each fall, over 1,600 varsity football teams take the field in hopes of being champions," said Andy Beal, president and founder of MaxPreps. "Congratulations to the Camas Papermakers' players, coaches and fans for an amazing year and for earning the Army National Guard's national rankings trophy." Camas is one of 50 football teams being honored on the MaxPreps Tour of Champions. "Any type of national recognition is a tremendous honor for any team," said head coach Jon Eagle. "We're happy to be in the conversation and be rewarded for our accomplishments."

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