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"For four games in a row we played really top level competition," Lehnhart said of playing in Anchorage and Bellarmine Prep last week. "If we hadn't played so well today, I think we'd have reason to worry. If we play like that and have our guys back, we'll be in good shape."

On Saturday, JDHS played most of the game without the services of striker Dylan Ashe. The senior is batting groin injuries and was removed just five minutes into the game. JDHS also played without midfielder Kabil Seesan, who missed the trip due to injury.

"I feel much better about the performance today," Lehnhart said of the 2-1 loss to South. "We need to get healthy."

Jamaal Bailey put JDHS ahead in the 36th minute when he scored off an assist from Andrew Flansaas.

JDHS held on to the lead, but the Wolverines would not be denied. South netted the equalizer in the 70th minute and scored the game-winner a couple minutes before the final whistle to earn the win.

Matt Walton made three saves in defeat as South outshot Juneau-Douglas 7-6.

"(South) is a good team. They're the best team we saw up there," Lehnhart said. "Overall, I'm really happy with the way they guys played. It's almost a blessing in disguise to play without Dylan. The other guys were forced to pick up the slack and they really did."

Lehnhart also remarked that his sophomore players - Zach Farrington, Elliott Ford, Dominic Smith and Colin Flynn - played well in the defeat.

On Friday against East, Ashe played and scored two milestone goals in the Crimson Bears' win.

Ashe scored two minutes in for the first half's lone goal. The senior next scored off an assist from Bailey in the second half to put JDHS ahead 2-0.

With the goal, Ashe tied former JDHS star Justin Dorn for first in the school's all-time scoring list. Ashe, the 2005 Gatorade State Player of the Year, has scored 49 goals for the Crimson Bears in his career.

JDHS center midfielder Eric Gullufsen added two insurance goals in the second half.

The Crimson Bears outshot East 9-5 in the win as goalkeepers Eli Wray and Walton combined to make three saves.

After a brief break, JDHS will hit the road again. The Crimson Bears will visit Wasilla and Colony starting Wednesday.

• Tim Nichols, sports editor, can be reached at sports@juneauempire.com.