With the help of an unusual feat, the Oak Harbor High School soccer team stopped Stanwood 6-2 Friday, April 21, at Wildcat Memorial Stadium.

Oak Harbor’s six goals were the result of hat tricks by Kurtis Zylstra and JJ Mitchell.

“I do not know how long it has been or if it has ever been done before,” coach Jeff Laiblin said in regard to the double hat trick. It hasn’t happened in his 10 years at the school, he added.

Zylstra also added another goal that was disallowed. Mitchell scored four goals in the first match with Stanwood March 21 and now has 13 for the season, second most by a Wildcat on the school record board.

The win was a big one for Oak Harbor (2-6-2, 4-7-3), which is trying to get back into the playoff hunt. The Wildcats have two matches remaining, including a critical contest at Marysville-Pilchuck (3-5-1, 4-7-1) at 7 p.m. Friday, April 28.

Oak Harbor concludes the regular season at home at 7:30 p.m. Monday, May 1, with Mountlake Terrace (7-2, 10-3).

The Wildcats have played at less than full strength most of the season and went into Friday’s match with Stanwood down four varsity players. Andrew Franssen, however, did return after being out with an injury since the second game.

Laiblin told his available players they needed “to step up” and “be ready to play out of position” to fill the gaps in the lineup.

Senior goalkeeper Austin Moncada, for example, played a key role as a striker, Laiblin said.

“The players responded,” Laiblin said. “It was truly a team effort.”

Oak Harbor controlled the early action but did not score until the 20th minute when Mitchell returned the Spartan goalkeeper’s punt for a 45-yard strike.

Mitchell then found Zylstra with a sharp pass to make it 2-0.

After Stanwood scored, Zylstra scored again, with help from Kegan Snell and Enrique Perez-Herranz, to give the Wildcats a 3-1 halftime lead.

Spencer Champion and Snell found Mitchell for the first goal of the second half, then Stanwood scored to make it 4-2.

Zylstra completed his hat trick with another Mitchell assist, then Mitchell completed his off passes from Julian Hinkle and Champion.

Kurtis Zylstra advances the ball for the Wildcats. Zylstra recorded a hat trick in the match. (Photo by John Fisken)

JJ Mitchell, who scored three goals in the match, punches the ball forward. (Photo by John Fisken)

Jose Coe heads the ball for Oak Harbor. (Photo by John Fisken)

Jared Hoyt stops a Stanwood shot. (Photo by John Fisken)

Enrique Perez-Herranz outjumps a Stanwood player to get his head on the ball. (Photo by John Fisken)