Despite missing three starters, the South Whidbey High School soccer team began conference play with a resounding 8-0 thrashing of host Cedar Park Christian Tuesday, March 19.

The short-handed Falcons “didn’t miss a beat,” according to coach Emerson Robbins, as the replacements filled in admirably and regular Michael Lux propelled the offense with a hat trick in the first half.

Back-up goalkeeper Taylor Daniels recorded the highlight of the game, Robbins said, with a “spectacular save” on long free kick.

Aidan Donnelly, filling in for Nevin Daniels at attacking mid, was “particularly effective,” according to Robbins.

“(Donnelly is) very savvy and sees the field extremely well,” Robbins added. “He found open seems in the opposing defense throughout the game.”

Donnelly and Lux scored the first two goals, each assisting the other.

Lux tacked on two more goals and Graham Colar had a goal and assist in the first half.

Eli Walton tallied the first goal of the second half with a “brilliant run,” Robbins said.

Thomas Simms, who moved from outside back to striker in the second half. beat a defender and, with his back to the goal, swung around a scored with a rocket shot.

“Reilly McVay possibly had the most shots in the game and was the recipient of many great passes,” Robbins said. “(He) finally connected on the last goal of the game.

“He also had a nice assist on Micheal’s third goal.”

While the offense was piling up points, the Falcons’ defense was “stellar,” Robbins said, led by Joey Lane, Sequoia Durham, Aidan O’Brien and Cormac Workman.

“I could not have been more pleased with our guys’ play,” Robbins said. “Playing the way we did confirms what I said earlier about not having any concerns whatsoever about whoever we put on the pitch. I have rarely, if ever, been able to say that at South Whidbey.

“We are not a deep squad, with only 15 players on the roster, but every player can get it done.”

South Whidbey (1-0, 4-0) plays a non-league match at Burlington-Edison (1-2) at 6 p.m. Monday, March 25.