by Jeff Wickerham
The Tri-Valley Scotties 8-2-1 (4-1 MVL) hosted the River View Black Bears 11-2 (8-0 MVL) on Tuesday, September 26 at Kenny Wolford Park.
The evening started with the JV teams squaring off, with Tri-Valley bringing it’s undefeated season to the table. It was a well played match by both teams, but the Black Bears were the only team to score and got the win, 1-0.
It was the Varsity’s turn to take the field. Between the pipes, was Sophomore Owen Harney. The defense lined up with Senior Ethan McLellan, Sophomore Oliver Baker, and Senior Captains Camden Wickerham and Devin Watts. The midfield was held down by Senior Captain Sam Schott, Juniors Dominic Dale and Yuvi Bastola, and Freshman Corbin Ryan. The forwards were Sophomore Cris Carpenter and Junior Nick Flarey. Senior Gael Oseguera is continuing to take care of his injury, which has kept him out the past 3-1/2 games.
The game kicked off with an intensity which could be felt in the stadium. Both teams knew what this game meant…at least a share of the MVL title. Within the first 4 minutes, the Scotties had a free kick and McLellan and the Black Bear Keeper collided. Both were hurt on the play, but McLellan was injured and had to sit out the remainder of the game.
The intensity picked up from there and both teams had multiple opportunities, but couldn’t capitalize until the 37th minuted, when River View put a ball into the back of the net.
The score at halftime was 1-0, River View. Coach Keith Laughlin’s message at halftime: River View knows they are in a game and we can capitalize on this opportunity.
In the 48th minute, River View struck again putting the score at 2-0. Ten minutes later, they added a third goal. The Black Bears ended up putting in 2 more goals, making the final score 5-0.
During the match, Harney had 12 saves, stopping quite a few excellent shots by the Black Bears. Both Flarey and Baker came out in the second half with injuries. Subbing in for the Scotties throughout the game were Freshman Lewis Mozena and Jake Pratt, Sophomores Blake Spencer, Nathan Hustey, Ty Young and Chance Storer, Junior Laetyn Holdsworth, and Seniors Elijah Felumlee and Gage Hindel.
After the game, Laughlin talked to the team about learning from this match. Making sure they knew they could play with River View and could beat them. Senior Captain Sam Schott let the team know the second season starts now and they will see that team again in the playoffs. And they will beat them. Senior Captain Camden Wickerham added that he loves the team around him.
Next up, the Scotties 8-3-1 (4-2 MVL) will go on the road to New Philadelphia, who is 5-7, on Thursday, September 28.