Feature Photo By: Izzy Honey – Members of the varsity team celebrate after senior Cris Reza scores a goal against Smoky Hill. The game against Smoky Hill was a conference game and Rangeview won 5-1.

Ending the season with a three win streak, the boys varsity soccer team is preparing to take on Cherokee Trail (CT) in the first round of the CHSAA state playoffs.

According to coach Strouse, the team has been preparing for the first playoff game by doing “the same stuff we do for any game — you don’t change things that have been successful, you stress the details and prepare.”

The team has become more and more confident since starting the year with an almost entirely new team.

Senior captain Luis Cervantes commented, “In the beginning of the season, we were a brand new team with a lot of new faces.Throughout the season, we began to play better knowing each other and becoming one on and off the field and that really shows our improvement as a team.”

Cherokee Trail is a new opponent for the boys this season as they are in a completely different league. In fact, Rangeview hasn’t played against Cherokee Trail since 2013.

CT finished their season 3-4 in the Centennial league, and 6-8-1 overall. Rangeview finished their season 8-1-1 in the 5A EMAC league and 11-3-1 overall.

“I don’t know the skill, passion, or work ethic of the other team,” said senior Grace Kochman, a fan who has attended many games this season, “but just looking at our soccer team I’ve seen how much they’ve improved as a unit and I think as long as they play with that passion and heart they’ll do great.”

The game will take place today on the Rangeview turf at 4:30. If you plan on attending, be sure to dress warm!

The full bracket for the 2017 CHSAA state tournament can be found here.

Also, don’t forget to click this link to see team stats and stay updated on scores: http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/rangeview-raiders-(aurora,co)/soccer/home.htm