There is nothing more annoying sometimes than hearing tales of “the law” being adhered to a little too rigidly without common sense. News comes the way of ‘Kick It’ this week of an incident which typifies that such twaddle is alive and well in our game.
Iman Khalil, a 15-year old Muslim girl, was forced to sit out a game in Tampa, Florida recently because the center referee said her head scarf was not part of her red-and-white soccer uniform and therefore violated game rules. Wearing headgear is generally prohibited as the head, as we know, can be used in the game.
Iman, who had never had an issue with the scarf in the two years she has played competitively, was somewhat stunned when the referee told her she couldn’t take to the field with a piece of clothing which is part of her faith.
Her Hernando Heat U16 teammates, parents, and members of the opposing Zephyrhills Bulldogs all urged the referee to let her play to no avail. Iman’s mother told the Tampa Tribune she was brought to tears, while parents called the incident a “heartbreaking” one.
The man in the middle stood by his decision even after the United Soccer Association's referee assignor checked with the league at half-time and was told Iman could play the second half.
You’ll be glad to hear that a different referee allowed her to play wearing her head scarf the following day against South Hillsborough Soccer League Celtics. In fact, league officials turned up - obviously aware of the growing media interest - with policies that showed she should have been able to play Saturday, including a 2002 memorandum that covers the topic of players "bound by religious law to wear such head coverings."
A player "must request the variance well enough ahead of game time,” the law states, but Iman and her team had not requested such a variance because the scarf had never been a problem before.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
The final countdown
The boys' and girls' IHSAA Soccer State Tournament finals will be held in Indianapolis this Saturday, with just four teams remaining in both competitions.
Number one ranked Evansville Memorial (21-0-2) flies the flag for southern Indiana for the third consecutive year and will play unranked Goshen (17-2-3) at Kuntz Stadium (10 a.m.)
Memorial was eliminated in the semi finals on its previous two trips to state and, as favorites, will be hoping to go all the way this time.
It beat this area's regional winners, Columbus North 3-0 on Saturday before disposing of Bloomington North 4-1 in the semi-state final.
The second semi-final will see No. 16 Chesterton (17-4-1) against No. 7 Indianapolis North Central (17-3-3), also at 10 a.m. The final will take place at 6 p.m.
In the girls' tournament, Center Grove (20-3) beat Floyd Central's regional conquerors, Columbus North 1-0 in the semi-state final to advance to the last four.
There, the Trojans will take on Indianapolis Cathedral (14-3-4), while Penn (20-2) and FW Bishop Dwenger (18-2-2) - reigning champions for the past two years - will battle it out in the second semi-final. Both games are at 12 noon with the final at 8 p.m.
Number one ranked Evansville Memorial (21-0-2) flies the flag for southern Indiana for the third consecutive year and will play unranked Goshen (17-2-3) at Kuntz Stadium (10 a.m.)
Memorial was eliminated in the semi finals on its previous two trips to state and, as favorites, will be hoping to go all the way this time.
It beat this area's regional winners, Columbus North 3-0 on Saturday before disposing of Bloomington North 4-1 in the semi-state final.
The second semi-final will see No. 16 Chesterton (17-4-1) against No. 7 Indianapolis North Central (17-3-3), also at 10 a.m. The final will take place at 6 p.m.
In the girls' tournament, Center Grove (20-3) beat Floyd Central's regional conquerors, Columbus North 1-0 in the semi-state final to advance to the last four.
There, the Trojans will take on Indianapolis Cathedral (14-3-4), while Penn (20-2) and FW Bishop Dwenger (18-2-2) - reigning champions for the past two years - will battle it out in the second semi-final. Both games are at 12 noon with the final at 8 p.m.
Net-Surfer tryouts
Tryouts for girls' soccer club Net-Surfers will be held for U15 to U18 girls at Providence High School on Saturday October 27 and November 3 (10 a.m. to 12 noon).
Teams, which will be selected based on age and ability, will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League (KSSL). Players can improve their play by competing weekly in practice and league games, as well as participating in two tournaments, where they have the chance to be seen and recruited by college coaches.
Anyone interested should bring a soccer ball and water bottle, wear soccer cleats, and dress to play according to the weather.
For further information, contact director of coaching Dave Smith at 812-283-6084 or 502-445-0354.
Teams, which will be selected based on age and ability, will play in the Kentucky Select Soccer League (KSSL). Players can improve their play by competing weekly in practice and league games, as well as participating in two tournaments, where they have the chance to be seen and recruited by college coaches.
Anyone interested should bring a soccer ball and water bottle, wear soccer cleats, and dress to play according to the weather.
For further information, contact director of coaching Dave Smith at 812-283-6084 or 502-445-0354.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Floyd not bothered by underdog role
Recrowned sectional champion Floyd Central believes it has a chance of upsetting No. 17 state ranked Columbus North on its home turf in tomorrow night's girls’ soccer regional final (7 p.m.).
The Highlanders (9-7-4), which secured it seventh title with a 2-1 win over Providence Saturday night, may be going into the game with the Bulldogs (17-1-1) as the underdogs, but Lewie Stevens' girls are not bothered about rankings or records.
" I don't think the ranking will faze our girls," said Stevens. "We played a quality schedule early and our kids know that the rankings are fairly subjective. We tied Jennings and felt like we gave away the loss to Columbus East so we know we can play with North. That probably is motivational for our kids.”
In fact, Floyd Central's sole regional title was won against Columbus North by a 1-0 scoreline in 2000, when Stevens and assistant Lynn Kaiser were at the helm. And the pair feel its squad is hitting its peak at the right time to repeat that feat.
"They have been getting better every game since about the fifth game of the season and it really showed Saturday," said Stevens. “We feel that we are playing our best soccer right now and that we have to earn the respect of our opponents.
“I didn't sense a lot of nervousness from them prior to the sectional championship. They are all veterans of club ball tournaments and have been here before last year as well."
Columbus North's Emily Wheeler and Chelsea Roberts may have bagged 17 and 14 goals respectively, while defender Abby Pence and midfielder Sarah Orisich are on a "Top Watch" list for 2008, but Floyd Central is not without its talent either.
Nikki Korte rose her game to another level against Providence on Saturday; Brigid Morrissey would probably make most schools' teams in the State at left back; and the Highlanders are blessed with three forwards in April Vanderplow, Becky Kennedy and Kelsey Traughber that are capable game winners.
"We know that there is really no magic bullet that gets you over the hurdle,” said Stevens. “I really think that we have to play hard and intensely but more than that, we have to play smart. Against a quality opponent, all the little details we have worked on all year come into play.
"Most of it has to do with movement away from the ball and staying under control. Don't devolve into a kickball game. Keep your composure and play the game the way we are capable of doing. If we do that we know that we will be in a position to advance.”
Stevens said North, who beat rivals Columbus East on penalty kicks Saturday after a 2-2 draw, will get chances, but they don’t want to panic.
“Against a team like North that is going to happen,” he said. “How we respond will probably be the measure of the game.”
The Highlanders (9-7-4), which secured it seventh title with a 2-1 win over Providence Saturday night, may be going into the game with the Bulldogs (17-1-1) as the underdogs, but Lewie Stevens' girls are not bothered about rankings or records.
" I don't think the ranking will faze our girls," said Stevens. "We played a quality schedule early and our kids know that the rankings are fairly subjective. We tied Jennings and felt like we gave away the loss to Columbus East so we know we can play with North. That probably is motivational for our kids.”
In fact, Floyd Central's sole regional title was won against Columbus North by a 1-0 scoreline in 2000, when Stevens and assistant Lynn Kaiser were at the helm. And the pair feel its squad is hitting its peak at the right time to repeat that feat.
"They have been getting better every game since about the fifth game of the season and it really showed Saturday," said Stevens. “We feel that we are playing our best soccer right now and that we have to earn the respect of our opponents.
“I didn't sense a lot of nervousness from them prior to the sectional championship. They are all veterans of club ball tournaments and have been here before last year as well."
Columbus North's Emily Wheeler and Chelsea Roberts may have bagged 17 and 14 goals respectively, while defender Abby Pence and midfielder Sarah Orisich are on a "Top Watch" list for 2008, but Floyd Central is not without its talent either.
Nikki Korte rose her game to another level against Providence on Saturday; Brigid Morrissey would probably make most schools' teams in the State at left back; and the Highlanders are blessed with three forwards in April Vanderplow, Becky Kennedy and Kelsey Traughber that are capable game winners.
"We know that there is really no magic bullet that gets you over the hurdle,” said Stevens. “I really think that we have to play hard and intensely but more than that, we have to play smart. Against a quality opponent, all the little details we have worked on all year come into play.
"Most of it has to do with movement away from the ball and staying under control. Don't devolve into a kickball game. Keep your composure and play the game the way we are capable of doing. If we do that we know that we will be in a position to advance.”
Stevens said North, who beat rivals Columbus East on penalty kicks Saturday after a 2-2 draw, will get chances, but they don’t want to panic.
“Against a team like North that is going to happen,” he said. “How we respond will probably be the measure of the game.”
Regional title goes North
It was a good day for Columbus North (15-4-2) Saturday as the school also won the boys' regional title at Floyd Central, beating Madison 3-0.
Alex Abedian - who scored a hat-trick against the Highlanders in the semi-final on Wednesday - shot the Bulldogs ahead in the opening minutes and added a second with 15 minutes remaining.
The game was put to bed five minutes from time courtesy of Louie Souza. It was North's ninth consecutive game without conceding a goal.
The Bulldogs will play No 1 ranked Evansville Memorial (18-0-3) in the semi-state championship at Evansville Central this Saturday.
Alex Abedian - who scored a hat-trick against the Highlanders in the semi-final on Wednesday - shot the Bulldogs ahead in the opening minutes and added a second with 15 minutes remaining.
The game was put to bed five minutes from time courtesy of Louie Souza. It was North's ninth consecutive game without conceding a goal.
The Bulldogs will play No 1 ranked Evansville Memorial (18-0-3) in the semi-state championship at Evansville Central this Saturday.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Time for a new crystal ball...
After a thrilling weekend of boys' sectional soccer, I've ditched my wonky old crystal ball and replaced it with a state-of-the-art, shiny new one complete with high definition and the ability to reveal the scores of penalty shootouts before they take place.
Congratulations to Floyd Central and Jeffersonville, winners over New Albany and Christian Academy respectively. Both move on to the regionals tomorrow evening, with the Highlanders hosting Columbus North and the Red Devils taking on Madison.
Saturday was the day goalkeeping heroics came to the fore, with Daniel Neeld and Seth Quinn proving themselves masters of negotiating the 12 yard spot kick against New Albany and Providence. In Quinn's case, he also had to do it in overtime when saving from Ben Hughes.
This week, the girls take center stage with the sectionals kicking off at Jeffersonville tonight, culminating in the championship decider on Saturday.
Girls' Jeffersonville Sectional
Match 1 – Jeffersonville vs. New Albany (Tuesday, 6 p.m.)
It's not been easy for Jeffersonville and coach Michael Dennis this fall, with the loss of 10 seniors and a lot of new players being introduced to the fold. The regular season meeting between the teams saw the Bulldogs come out 5-0 winners and while I believe this will be a closer game, it's hard to see Jeffersonville closing the gap enough to come out on top in this one. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 2 – Floyd Central vs. North Harrison (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)
Floyd Central boss Lewie Stevens doesn't believe the possibility of having to play three games in sectional over the space of five days will be asking too much of his girls, so they're not all that upset with the draw. "We feel we are up to the task and at this time of the year it is not so bad getting tested every other day or so in order to stay sharp," he said. Recently, the Highlanders tied with Jennings County, whose only two losses this year have been to top 20 teams, so Stephens feels it can play quality soccer and are "putting it together at the right time." Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 3 – New Albany vs. Floyd Central (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
Should New Albany prevail, it could see the very interesting prospect of Jessica Moore facing off against sister Sara (Providence) in the championship decider. However, a repeat of the 3-0 win for the Highlanders in regular season against the Bulldogs would spoil that particular scenario. New Albany do have potential game winners though, in the shape of Kaitlin Robinett and Kayton Cole, so the Floyd Central rearguard will have to be at the top of its game. At the other end, forwards Kelsey Traughber, April Vanderplow and Becky Kennedy have keeper Madie Bruker - who pulled off one of the saves of the season against Providence - to beat. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 4 – Corydon Central vs. Providence (Thursday, 8 p.m.)
Providence has received what some might describe as the 'easier' side of the draw. A victory against Corydon will see them into Saturday's final but it should not be forgotten that the Pioneers just edged out the same opposition in sectionals last year by 1-0. "We greatly respect Corydon's program and remember what a battle it was against them last year," said Providence coach Dave Smith. "The overall level of play in our area has been elevated so much in the past five to seven years that every team has skilled players and athleticism. Verdict: Providence.
Championship – Floyd Central vs. Providence (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
This, a repeat of last year's final which Floyd Central won on penalties, would be one matchup worth catching. The Pioneers and the Higlanders are ranked 8th and 9th respectively in the district, both tied 0-0 in regular season, and both are looking strong coming into sectionals. It could be another tight affair, as a strength of both sides is defense. Floyd possess one of the more talented players around in sophomore Brigid Morrissey, while Jackie Cusick, Maggie Taylor, Laura Heverly, Nikki Roberts and keeper Kayla Prusinski have been mean to opposition forwards this season. Equally keeping a tight ship has been the Providence rearguard, which includes the likes of Jill Grable, Megan Eve, Shaina Luther, Jaclyn Mann and keeper Alyssa Hendershot. Nikki Korte and Sara Moore will battle in the middle, while game winners Laura Jenkins and Cristian May-Boquiren (Providence), and the aforementioned Traughber, Vanderplow and Kennedy (Floyd Central) will be hoping to hit the net. Verdict: Providence.
Boys' regional semi-finals (at Floyd Central)
Floyd Central v Columbus North (Wednesday, 6 p.m.)
Floyd Central (4-9-4) has done remarkably well to get this far, when you consider they won just one regular season game with a squad comprising three seniors. Having beaten one Bulldog, it now comes up against another in the shape of Columbus North (13-4-2), a side ranked No. 13 in the State. North made it here by comprehensively beating sectional hosts Seymour - a regional finalist last year - by a 5-0 scoreline before edging out rival Columbus East 1-0 in the championship game with two minutes remaining. However, coach Scott Hollis said that although they know it will be a very tough game, they have a “huge momentum” going into it. “ If you look at our record, you wouldn't have thought we would win sectional but we felt over and over that this team, when it strings it together, is a pretty solid team.”
Jeffersonville v Madison (Wednesday, 8 p.m.)
Having seen Jeffersonville (8-9-1) play Madison (13-1-3) already this season - when it dominated much of the first half but lost the initiative in the second - I believe Ryan Bixler’s charges are capable of winning this. New Albany also showed last week that the Cubs' defense is suspect, having put four past them in a regular season game. Three of those goals were the result of Madison's defense not closing down attackers quick enough to stop the strike, and if it gives the likes of Scott Meneou, Brian Quinn and Nick Neely that sort of space, they could pay the price. Having said that, Madison has only lost once this season (1-0 to Jennings County) and the winning habit is one it has gotten used to, and it is possible Saturday's war of attrition against Providence and the later final may be felt in Jeff's legs.
Regional Championship (at Floyd Central): Floyd Central/Columbus North v Jeffersonville v Madison (Saturday, 12 noon)
Congratulations to Floyd Central and Jeffersonville, winners over New Albany and Christian Academy respectively. Both move on to the regionals tomorrow evening, with the Highlanders hosting Columbus North and the Red Devils taking on Madison.
Saturday was the day goalkeeping heroics came to the fore, with Daniel Neeld and Seth Quinn proving themselves masters of negotiating the 12 yard spot kick against New Albany and Providence. In Quinn's case, he also had to do it in overtime when saving from Ben Hughes.
This week, the girls take center stage with the sectionals kicking off at Jeffersonville tonight, culminating in the championship decider on Saturday.
Girls' Jeffersonville Sectional
Match 1 – Jeffersonville vs. New Albany (Tuesday, 6 p.m.)
It's not been easy for Jeffersonville and coach Michael Dennis this fall, with the loss of 10 seniors and a lot of new players being introduced to the fold. The regular season meeting between the teams saw the Bulldogs come out 5-0 winners and while I believe this will be a closer game, it's hard to see Jeffersonville closing the gap enough to come out on top in this one. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 2 – Floyd Central vs. North Harrison (Tuesday, 8 p.m.)
Floyd Central boss Lewie Stevens doesn't believe the possibility of having to play three games in sectional over the space of five days will be asking too much of his girls, so they're not all that upset with the draw. "We feel we are up to the task and at this time of the year it is not so bad getting tested every other day or so in order to stay sharp," he said. Recently, the Highlanders tied with Jennings County, whose only two losses this year have been to top 20 teams, so Stephens feels it can play quality soccer and are "putting it together at the right time." Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 3 – New Albany vs. Floyd Central (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
Should New Albany prevail, it could see the very interesting prospect of Jessica Moore facing off against sister Sara (Providence) in the championship decider. However, a repeat of the 3-0 win for the Highlanders in regular season against the Bulldogs would spoil that particular scenario. New Albany do have potential game winners though, in the shape of Kaitlin Robinett and Kayton Cole, so the Floyd Central rearguard will have to be at the top of its game. At the other end, forwards Kelsey Traughber, April Vanderplow and Becky Kennedy have keeper Madie Bruker - who pulled off one of the saves of the season against Providence - to beat. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 4 – Corydon Central vs. Providence (Thursday, 8 p.m.)
Providence has received what some might describe as the 'easier' side of the draw. A victory against Corydon will see them into Saturday's final but it should not be forgotten that the Pioneers just edged out the same opposition in sectionals last year by 1-0. "We greatly respect Corydon's program and remember what a battle it was against them last year," said Providence coach Dave Smith. "The overall level of play in our area has been elevated so much in the past five to seven years that every team has skilled players and athleticism. Verdict: Providence.
Championship – Floyd Central vs. Providence (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
This, a repeat of last year's final which Floyd Central won on penalties, would be one matchup worth catching. The Pioneers and the Higlanders are ranked 8th and 9th respectively in the district, both tied 0-0 in regular season, and both are looking strong coming into sectionals. It could be another tight affair, as a strength of both sides is defense. Floyd possess one of the more talented players around in sophomore Brigid Morrissey, while Jackie Cusick, Maggie Taylor, Laura Heverly, Nikki Roberts and keeper Kayla Prusinski have been mean to opposition forwards this season. Equally keeping a tight ship has been the Providence rearguard, which includes the likes of Jill Grable, Megan Eve, Shaina Luther, Jaclyn Mann and keeper Alyssa Hendershot. Nikki Korte and Sara Moore will battle in the middle, while game winners Laura Jenkins and Cristian May-Boquiren (Providence), and the aforementioned Traughber, Vanderplow and Kennedy (Floyd Central) will be hoping to hit the net. Verdict: Providence.
Boys' regional semi-finals (at Floyd Central)
Floyd Central v Columbus North (Wednesday, 6 p.m.)
Floyd Central (4-9-4) has done remarkably well to get this far, when you consider they won just one regular season game with a squad comprising three seniors. Having beaten one Bulldog, it now comes up against another in the shape of Columbus North (13-4-2), a side ranked No. 13 in the State. North made it here by comprehensively beating sectional hosts Seymour - a regional finalist last year - by a 5-0 scoreline before edging out rival Columbus East 1-0 in the championship game with two minutes remaining. However, coach Scott Hollis said that although they know it will be a very tough game, they have a “huge momentum” going into it. “ If you look at our record, you wouldn't have thought we would win sectional but we felt over and over that this team, when it strings it together, is a pretty solid team.”
Jeffersonville v Madison (Wednesday, 8 p.m.)
Having seen Jeffersonville (8-9-1) play Madison (13-1-3) already this season - when it dominated much of the first half but lost the initiative in the second - I believe Ryan Bixler’s charges are capable of winning this. New Albany also showed last week that the Cubs' defense is suspect, having put four past them in a regular season game. Three of those goals were the result of Madison's defense not closing down attackers quick enough to stop the strike, and if it gives the likes of Scott Meneou, Brian Quinn and Nick Neely that sort of space, they could pay the price. Having said that, Madison has only lost once this season (1-0 to Jennings County) and the winning habit is one it has gotten used to, and it is possible Saturday's war of attrition against Providence and the later final may be felt in Jeff's legs.
Regional Championship (at Floyd Central): Floyd Central/Columbus North v Jeffersonville v Madison (Saturday, 12 noon)
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
And the winners are...
(Published in The Evening News & The Tribune, October 2, 2007)
When I was playing for the likes of Ballymun Skylarks and Tolka Rovers in the schoolboy leagues of Dublin, my pre-match meals - eaten hurriedly on the way to meet up with team mates - usually consisted of a packet of pickled onion flavored Monster Munch and fizzy jellies.
I never really put much thought into how food consumption would affect my performance. I had more important issues on my mind; like how I was going to dribble round seven or eight players before chipping the ball delicately over a flailing keeper and what kind of pitch celebration that deserved.
Nowadays, of course, sports science is at a whole new level and players will probably be paying a bit more attention to what they eat as they ready themselves for some important games ahead this week. On its way to a regional title last year, for example, Providence prepared by having a spaghetti meal cooked by coach Adam Giovenco. I would imagine after hearing this news, most schools in the area will be sending spies scurrying around to coach Gio's abode this week in search of said recipe.
No matter how you prepare for the big games over the coming days, our best wishes go out to all. And for a bit of fun, we're going to take our dusty but mystical crystal ball down from the attic, wipe away the cobwebs and take a peek at how the games might pan out. Yes, I know, I'm setting myself up for a horrid fall because it won't turn out this way at all, of course, but I feel it's a good way to shed some light on who may be this year's Monster Munches as teams prepare for sectional and regional play.
Floyd Central sectional
Match 1: Floyd Central v Salem (Thursday, 7 p.m.)
This is Salem's first taste of sectional fare and what a baptism of fire it is. The boys from Washington County have been enjoying the school's inaugural soccer season and hopefully the Lions' program will roar on as the years pass by. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 2: North Harrison v New Albany (Saturday, 10 a.m.)
It would take an effort of monumental proportions for North Harrison to upset the applecart here. These met at the same stage last year, when New Albany ran out 6-0 winners. The biggest concern for the Bulldogs this time will be to balance the two factors of winning the game with reasonable comfort, while not over exerting key players ahead of the evening final. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 3: Floyd Central v Corydon (Saturday, 12 noon)
Last year, The Highlanders faced the same opponents at the same stage and made the final with a hard fought 2-0 victory. On the evidence of this year's results, it should be honors to Floyd Central but they need to avoid being complacent. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Championship: Floyd Central v New Albany (Saturday 7 p.m.)
Both teams couldn't be separated in regular season after a 2-2 tie and this rematch promises to be just as tight. The Bulldogs will be looking to Nathan Driggers and Stephan Kossis, who both scored against Floyd in their earlier meeting, to pull them through this. While FC's defense will need to keep a very close eye on Driggers especially, it will be hoping the likes of Cameron Fitzgerald - one of only three seniors on the FC roster - Jordan Adams and Chase Holland step up to the plate to cause some damage at the opposite end. And it is in this position where New Albany have been dealt a blow as regular goalkeeper Zachariah Litzelswope is still recovering from a hand injury and is not likely to be fit for this, opening the way for Danny Hartman and Nathan Blair to gain some big game playing time. It's a recent batch of results, including New Albany's 2-0 victory over Jeffersonville and Floyd's 4-2 defeat at the hands of the same opposition, that point to the logical conclusion that this could be the Bulldogs' night. But, then again, when did logic ever come into it? Verdict: New Albany.
Jeffersonville sectional
Match 1: Charlestown v Providence (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
Charlestown gets a chance to cause a major upset when it takes on reigning sectional and regional champion Providence in Round 1. Pirates coach Rick Stephens said it’s a game they are very much looking forward to. “I think the gap is closing but still exists," he said. Verdict: Providence.
Match 2 – Rock Creek Academy v Christian Academy of Indiana (Saturday, 10 a.m.)
The luck of the draw has certainly favored this pair, one of which will play in a Championship game. CAI played in the Floyd Central sectional last year and went out at the first hurdle to North Harrison. This time, encouraged by recent results like its 4-1 win over Charlestown last week, it looks set to overcome Rock Creek and take its place in a championship decider. Verdict: Christian Academy.
Match 3 – Jeffersonville v Providence (Saturday 12 noon)
There's been much talk in the state about the issue of seeding teams and the disadvantages of sides having to play two games on the same day. Both issues come into play with this possible match up and the irony is that this might actually turn out to be a better game between the section's two best teams at high noon than if it had have played out in the evening. Jeffersonville coach Ryan Bixler definitely shares that view, as he said last week that both teams would have been tired from the morning game. Now, if you had have asked me some weeks ago who I thought was going to win this tie, I would have plumped for Jeffersonville, as they impressed me more early season. However, they looked simply flat against New Albany recently before then bouncing back with a 1-0 win against the Pioneers and a 4-2 victory against Floyd Central and it's hard to know which team will come out this week. Providence, on the other hand, have just welcomed back midfielder Ben Hughes from injury, while defender-turned-forward Keenan Sparks also returns to the fray. I've a feeling the latter's battle against the Jeff defense and keeper Seth Quinn could be where this game is lost or won - or if, indeed, it goes all the way. Overtime and penalty kicks anyone? Verdict: Providence.
Championship: Christian Academy v Providence (Saturday, 7.30 p.m.)
There is the belief that the winner of Match 3 just needs to shine its collective boots from the morning's exertions and make it to the field on time later in the evening to secure a sectional championship, lift the hardware and pose happily for pictures. However, having seen CAI play recently, it will take a bit more than that methinks. Coach Dan Johnson’s charges have improved from last year, and with the likes of striker Josh Loveland and midfielder Caleb Dorman in form, their opponents - dare I say, possibly exhausted opponents - won’t have it all their own way. Funnily enough, the Warriors and the Pioneers play tonight in what is the last regular season game for both camps. A dress-rehearsal, perhaps? Verdict: Providence.
When I was playing for the likes of Ballymun Skylarks and Tolka Rovers in the schoolboy leagues of Dublin, my pre-match meals - eaten hurriedly on the way to meet up with team mates - usually consisted of a packet of pickled onion flavored Monster Munch and fizzy jellies.
I never really put much thought into how food consumption would affect my performance. I had more important issues on my mind; like how I was going to dribble round seven or eight players before chipping the ball delicately over a flailing keeper and what kind of pitch celebration that deserved.
Nowadays, of course, sports science is at a whole new level and players will probably be paying a bit more attention to what they eat as they ready themselves for some important games ahead this week. On its way to a regional title last year, for example, Providence prepared by having a spaghetti meal cooked by coach Adam Giovenco. I would imagine after hearing this news, most schools in the area will be sending spies scurrying around to coach Gio's abode this week in search of said recipe.
No matter how you prepare for the big games over the coming days, our best wishes go out to all. And for a bit of fun, we're going to take our dusty but mystical crystal ball down from the attic, wipe away the cobwebs and take a peek at how the games might pan out. Yes, I know, I'm setting myself up for a horrid fall because it won't turn out this way at all, of course, but I feel it's a good way to shed some light on who may be this year's Monster Munches as teams prepare for sectional and regional play.
Floyd Central sectional
Match 1: Floyd Central v Salem (Thursday, 7 p.m.)
This is Salem's first taste of sectional fare and what a baptism of fire it is. The boys from Washington County have been enjoying the school's inaugural soccer season and hopefully the Lions' program will roar on as the years pass by. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Match 2: North Harrison v New Albany (Saturday, 10 a.m.)
It would take an effort of monumental proportions for North Harrison to upset the applecart here. These met at the same stage last year, when New Albany ran out 6-0 winners. The biggest concern for the Bulldogs this time will be to balance the two factors of winning the game with reasonable comfort, while not over exerting key players ahead of the evening final. Verdict: New Albany.
Match 3: Floyd Central v Corydon (Saturday, 12 noon)
Last year, The Highlanders faced the same opponents at the same stage and made the final with a hard fought 2-0 victory. On the evidence of this year's results, it should be honors to Floyd Central but they need to avoid being complacent. Verdict: Floyd Central.
Championship: Floyd Central v New Albany (Saturday 7 p.m.)
Both teams couldn't be separated in regular season after a 2-2 tie and this rematch promises to be just as tight. The Bulldogs will be looking to Nathan Driggers and Stephan Kossis, who both scored against Floyd in their earlier meeting, to pull them through this. While FC's defense will need to keep a very close eye on Driggers especially, it will be hoping the likes of Cameron Fitzgerald - one of only three seniors on the FC roster - Jordan Adams and Chase Holland step up to the plate to cause some damage at the opposite end. And it is in this position where New Albany have been dealt a blow as regular goalkeeper Zachariah Litzelswope is still recovering from a hand injury and is not likely to be fit for this, opening the way for Danny Hartman and Nathan Blair to gain some big game playing time. It's a recent batch of results, including New Albany's 2-0 victory over Jeffersonville and Floyd's 4-2 defeat at the hands of the same opposition, that point to the logical conclusion that this could be the Bulldogs' night. But, then again, when did logic ever come into it? Verdict: New Albany.
Jeffersonville sectional
Match 1: Charlestown v Providence (Thursday, 6 p.m.)
Charlestown gets a chance to cause a major upset when it takes on reigning sectional and regional champion Providence in Round 1. Pirates coach Rick Stephens said it’s a game they are very much looking forward to. “I think the gap is closing but still exists," he said. Verdict: Providence.
Match 2 – Rock Creek Academy v Christian Academy of Indiana (Saturday, 10 a.m.)
The luck of the draw has certainly favored this pair, one of which will play in a Championship game. CAI played in the Floyd Central sectional last year and went out at the first hurdle to North Harrison. This time, encouraged by recent results like its 4-1 win over Charlestown last week, it looks set to overcome Rock Creek and take its place in a championship decider. Verdict: Christian Academy.
Match 3 – Jeffersonville v Providence (Saturday 12 noon)
There's been much talk in the state about the issue of seeding teams and the disadvantages of sides having to play two games on the same day. Both issues come into play with this possible match up and the irony is that this might actually turn out to be a better game between the section's two best teams at high noon than if it had have played out in the evening. Jeffersonville coach Ryan Bixler definitely shares that view, as he said last week that both teams would have been tired from the morning game. Now, if you had have asked me some weeks ago who I thought was going to win this tie, I would have plumped for Jeffersonville, as they impressed me more early season. However, they looked simply flat against New Albany recently before then bouncing back with a 1-0 win against the Pioneers and a 4-2 victory against Floyd Central and it's hard to know which team will come out this week. Providence, on the other hand, have just welcomed back midfielder Ben Hughes from injury, while defender-turned-forward Keenan Sparks also returns to the fray. I've a feeling the latter's battle against the Jeff defense and keeper Seth Quinn could be where this game is lost or won - or if, indeed, it goes all the way. Overtime and penalty kicks anyone? Verdict: Providence.
Championship: Christian Academy v Providence (Saturday, 7.30 p.m.)
There is the belief that the winner of Match 3 just needs to shine its collective boots from the morning's exertions and make it to the field on time later in the evening to secure a sectional championship, lift the hardware and pose happily for pictures. However, having seen CAI play recently, it will take a bit more than that methinks. Coach Dan Johnson’s charges have improved from last year, and with the likes of striker Josh Loveland and midfielder Caleb Dorman in form, their opponents - dare I say, possibly exhausted opponents - won’t have it all their own way. Funnily enough, the Warriors and the Pioneers play tonight in what is the last regular season game for both camps. A dress-rehearsal, perhaps? Verdict: Providence.
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