It was a “battle of the birds” Oct. 1 at Stayton High School, where the No. 1 seed Eagles of Stayton were hosting the No. 16 seed Seaside Seagulls in a first round game of the 4A boys soccer state playoffs.

The Eagles showed why they are the top-ranked team at the 4A level, as they flew past the Gulls 8-0.

Stayton needed just one minute, 44 seconds to score its first goal, a header off a crossing pass near the baseline.

The Eagles picked up another goal at the 10:07 mark, a close range score in front of the Seaside net; and a left-footed shot from 10 yards out at 11:02 gave Stayton a 3-0 lead.

It was a tough first round for the Cowapa League in general, as Ontario defeated Tillamook 2-1, and Estacada topped league champion Scappoose, also 2-1.

Stayton advances to face North Marion in the quarterfinals.