Nash scored a pair of goals and led Mill Valley to a 3-1 win over Piper. The victory was a pivotal win for the Jaguars, as Piper is ranked No. 4 in the state in Class 4A.

Both of Nash’s goals came in the second period, with the score at 0-0 at intermission.

In the period, both teams had chances to score early, but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity. Mill Valley scored first when Tyler Miller deflected the ball off the goalie, sending it into the back of the net about 10 minutes into the half.

“We have been waiting for him to do that,” assistant coach Jeremy Way said.

Way was filling in for Jaguars coach Arlan Vomhof, who missed the game after receiving a red card in Thursday’s game versus Lansing. He watched the game from a chair near the parking lot. Vomhof said not being able to coach was different.

About 10 minutes after Miller’s goal, Piper tied the game on a penalty kick from Sean Verbanic.

The kick sailed over defenders and into the net.

“We lost focus, basically as a team we lost focus,” Nash said of the play.

With the score tied, Mill Valley regained its concentration. The Jaguars played with the ball in Piper territory and took numerous shots on goal.

Nash played the role of finisher. The first came on a rebounded kick, which Nash controlled and then booted into the back of the end zone.

“He did what we had been telling him what to do,” Way said. “Distribute the ball and then be in the right position to make a play.”

He scored another goal later in the half off a cross.

“In the second half we got down to business a little bit,” Nash said.

But with no scoring in the first half, Way said the team’s performance wasn’t as good as it could be. The offense struggled, he said; they weren’t passing the ball well enough.

“The second half was much better,” Way said. “We controlled the ball and passed the ball.”

Mill Valley plays against Basehor-Linwood at 4:30 p.m. today, completing a game postponed for rain. The game will be resumed with 17:32 played in the first half and Mill Valley leading 1-0.