In the latest episode of The Study of Sports podcast, longtime sports reporter Paul Valencia turns his focus to Clark County’s high school athletics as the season reaches its climax. Valencia, joined by seasoned administrators Cale Piland and Tony Liberatore, breaks down the four football programs that have earned a spot in the state playoffs.
Football teams earn playoff berths
Evergreen Public Schools’ football squad, led by head coach John Martinez, secured the top seed after a flawless regular‑season run. Union High’s team, coached by Mike Daniels, clinched the second seed with a dramatic overtime victory in the final week. Two other schools—Fort Vancouver High and Columbia River Academy—rounded out the final four, each posting winning records and strong defensive statistics.
Soccer and volleyball squads also shine
Beyond the gridiron, the podcast gives a shout‑out to standout soccer teams. Evergreen’s boys’ soccer program, under coach Laura Chen, posted a 12‑2 record and boasts the league’s leading scorer, junior forward Alex Rivera. On the girls’ side, Fort Vancouver’s squad captured the district title for the third consecutive year.
In volleyball, Union’s girls’ team captured the district championship, while Columbia River’s boys’ team posted an impressive 15‑1 record, earning a spot in the regional tournament. Both programs are praised for their disciplined coaching and strong community support.
New state law prompts district questions
With the recent election behind the community, Valencia steers the conversation toward a new state law affecting school athletics. The law, passed by the Washington State Legislature, mandates additional reporting requirements for high‑school sports programs and introduces stricter eligibility verification for student‑athletes.
Both Piland and Liberatore explain how their districts are preparing to comply. Piland, athletic director for Evergreen Public Schools, notes that the district has already begun updating its data‑management systems and will hold training sessions for coaches and administrators next month. Liberatore, associate principal at Fort Vancouver, emphasizes that the law’s intent to protect student‑athletes aligns with the district’s commitment to safety and fairness.
“We see this as an opportunity to strengthen our programs and ensure every student competes on a level playing field,” Piland said. Liberatore added, “Our focus remains on providing a positive experience for our athletes while meeting the state’s new standards.”
Call for listener ideas
The hosts close the episode by inviting listeners to suggest future topics. They encourage community members to email their ideas to the podcast’s contact address. Whether it’s a deep dive into a specific sport, a discussion of upcoming policy changes, or a spotlight on a local coach, the podcast aims to serve as a platform for Clark County’s sports enthusiasts.
For those interested in staying up‑to‑date on high school sports, the episode is available on all major podcast platforms, and the hosts promise regular updates throughout the playoff season.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
