Co-Champs go at it again in title tilt
By Ken DeLaat, N3 Sports Tonight (Friday) Newaygo at Big Rapids 5p.m. It looks to be one of Those games. A match that seemed predestined before the tournament began. After all, co-champs Big Rapids and Newaygo were seeded as they should have been. Each marched through those first 2 games to get here because each team knew they had unfinished business with the other squad. The last time they met on the field of play the Cards were enjoying a state ranking, were on a 4 game win streak having outscored opponents 21-1 and had already scored more than 7 goals 4 times. The Lions had a bit of a streak going as well. After being stunned in an early season match with a strong and seasoned Sparta squad Coach Matt Painter’s crew spun off 7 straight with a 25-1 edge in scoring in those matches. This was the one that would likely decide who would wear the conference crown. And they fought to a epic 1-1 draw.. The onslaught of attacks by the Cards were repelled again and again in the scoreless second half as the Lion defenders along with some crucial saves by their keeper held their ground and forged a tie And now the rematch. BR slammed down a 9-1 win over Fremont to get here. Newaygo defeated Tri County 3-1. In the regular season the Vikes lost by a single goal to each of the co-champs, their only losses in conference play. It should be a tough one for the Lions and the game is on the road to boot, despite Newaygo having a better overall record I might add. Waltz, Allers and Tucci will be looking to find net for the hosts while Painter, Long, Hefferan Nordlund and Haavisto have been the primary scoring threats for the Lions. But the game is going to rest heavily on the ability of the Lion defense to contain an aggressive Cardinal team that just outshot the Packers 33-3 in their semifinal match. Briggs, Briones, Welch & Co. will be called on to limit the acrobatic saves likely to be needed by Toth. With Districts coming next week the season won’t be over for either of these teams after this one. But some serious bragging rights, a conference tourney crown and a good bit of momentum heading into post season play will be on the line tonight. And despite the potent offense of the Cards and their heady state rankings, this Lion team is made up of warriors. Warriors with talent. Go Lions.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Categories |