The Oak Harbor High School soccer team had much to prove going into its match Tuesday, March 21, at Stanwood, according to its coach, and the Wildcats passed the test 6-1.

“We had to prove we were ready for league play,” Oak Harbor coach Jeff Laiblin said. “We had to prove that we could win on the road at a location that has been nothing but bad luck. We had to prove that our offense was capable of producing goals and our defense could play solid for 80 minutes.”

The match included two stellar individual efforts. JJ Mitchell scored four goals, tied for third most in an OHHS match. Spencer Champion produced three assists. Records for single-game assists are not kept, but Champion’s three would be among the leaders, if not the best, according to Laiblin.

The Wildcats played well for the first 20 minutes but did not score until Nathan Merrill, who was on limited duty because of an injury, was inserted into the match. He quickly scored off Champion’s first assist.

Then Mitchell stunned the Spartans (0-3-1) by scoring four times in less than 20 minutes to give Oak Harbor a 5-0 lead at halftime. The goals were assisted by Merrill, Champion, Chaz Purdy and Kurtis Zylstra.

Zylstra scored in the second half on Champion’s final assist.

Mitchell sat much of the half because of the Wildcats’ comfortable lead.

“Sometimes when you see so many goals, the defensive effort can be overlooked,” Laiblin said. “Led by Seth Gluth, the defense — Eric Closson, Josh Coe, Cameron Costner and Taylor Jackson — was solid.”

A day after the match, Laiblin added, “(We) proved that when we play as we are capable of playing we are ready for league play. Last night the offense and defense both proved they were capable of playing with great efficiency.”

Oak Harbor (2-1-1) starts Western Conference play with Edmonds-Woodway (0-3-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 24, at Wildcat Memorial Stadium.