If there's a theme for the Columbia River boys soccer team in recent games, it's theatrics.

The good thing is for the Rapids is they're on the positive end of close, down-to-the-wire finishes. That included Tuesday's 3-1 winner-to-state district semifinal victory over R.A. Long when goals by senior Tyler Brown over the final 6 minutes sealed a spot in Thursday's district title game.

To get the victory, especially the way the Rapids (17-1-1) did against what they believe is a state-caliber opponent, is another positive takeaway. Thursday, Rivers hosts W.F. West (10-8), which upset 2A Evergreen Conference champion Tumwater in overtime in their semifinal, for the district championship. It'll be River's eighth district title game appearance since joining Class 2A.

"This is probably the toughest game we played," River senior goalkeeper Eli Smith said. "I'm so proud of everyone and how we kept going no matter what and all the setbacks. ... Playing as a family is the biggest thing."