NWO Soccer Weekly (Girls') Coach of the Year - Scott Wamer

Toledo - I can think of one word to describe Clay (Oregon) head coach Scott Wamer...intense; but their is a humble and gracious side of Scott Wamer that maybe his immediate family and players in the program would know. This past season had to be one of the best for the longtime head coach of the Lady Eagles of Clay - winning their second TRAC (Three Rivers Athletic Conference) title in 4 years, finishing the regular season as one of the four best girls programs in the state of Ohio in Division I, but more importantly finishing the regular season with no blemish in the lost column. "Coming into this season we did not have any expectation, we thought we could be very competitive but nothing like what we achieved this fall" said Wamer. "This was a young team with some older leadership and they matured at the right time throughout the season. We had a great group of kids with a great skill level that put us on the map".  The Eagles finished the regular season with a 14-0-2 record and heading into the state tournament with the top-seed in the NW District and heading into the Findlay bracket a lot of people would speculate that the Eagles could run into trouble. Clay advanced to the district semifinal to take on a TRAC rival Notre Dame Academy, a team they defeated 3-1 back on September 24th at home - and this time it would be a different result. The Eagles saw their season come to a close on a Dena Deeb finish in the closing seconds of the second extra time period; that loss left Coach Wamer is disarray and what he may need to do differently to propel this very talented team to the next level. 

Courtesy of the Toledo Blade

"We have to recognize the level we are at and where we want to be - with that comes more challenging games and friendlies to instill into our players that we have to learn to compete to big time matches in order to win a district title. A league title is always a good goal to set but being knocked out [by NDA] the way we were was not fulfilling." said Wamer. In retrospect, this Clay (Oregon) program has come a very long way - with being able to play those state powers and creating a winning environment. "I felt that I was the right guy at the right time to get the job here, I was a physical education teacher and just remember recruiting hard for girls who were not playing a fall sport. We only had one club player at that time and by the end of the first year we thought we had a good crop of players." said Wamer. "Now we are getting girls that are coming here that are playing at high level clubs like GTFC Impact and Pacesetter - we are starting to see our youth feeder systems get more numbers and compete. It is a very exciting time and I am looking forward to the future of our program". At the end of the day, Wamer knows what it takes to be a winner and what it means to be successful and achieve goals and dreams that are set - "Our goal is to win a district title, it was good for our younger players to understand the meaning of this year and how it felt to lose that way. Hope we come with a great attitude in the summer workouts and preseason next fall but I am very proud of all of our girls [current and alumnus] who have believed and continue to believe what this program is about". On behave of NWO Soccer Weekly I like to congratulate Clay (Oregon) head coach Scott Wamer on being named the first-ever NWO Soccer Weekly (Girls') Coach of the Year. We wish you nothing but the best and continuing success in your program.

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NWO Soccer Weekly (Boys) Coach of the Year - Andrew Screptock

Toledo - Springfield (Holland) over the last 5 years have started to see a trend that in most year they did not see...yes in the early 2000s the Blue Devils were a easy win for many NLL foes but this past fall they were poised to be one of the elites in northwest Ohio - and they were close.  The Blue Devils advanced to the district final for the first time in school history before falling to eventual Regional finalist Anthony Wayne.  First-year head coach Andrew Screptock, an alumnus of Springfield helped change the environment into a winning environment and building elite players - this fall the Blue Devils finished second in the NLL with an overall record of 14-3-2. 

Courtesy of Toledo Blade

"Coming into the year I think a lot of people thought we peaked since we graduated 9 [seniors] last fall. At times last year, the chemistry was not there, it was a little bit more individuals, but this year the chemistry and working together throughout the year gave us a bit of an edge" said Screptock. With working together and creating a winning environment - come players and Springfield has been very blessed with quality throughout the years and including this year with great seniors such as Sean Miller, Nick and Joe Yeager, Josh Siers, Steven Sekerak and Jacob Schultz. "Those young men were special, they created an environment that all of our younger players fed off of. They should be proud of the foundation they laid [getting to a district final] and now it is the younger players turn to start building it piece by piece". With the shift in Springfield soccer - it is good to say that the younger players are coming through a different environment than most did when they were younger. With the new travel leagues being instilled in the Holland/Springfield township area players are getting a chance to get out and play at a more competitive level. "Recreation leagues were the only thing around in my time coming through - now we are getting club players that start out at Springfield and see themselves going to a more competitive clubs like Pacesetter, TFA and the Toledo Celtics. So it is a great thing to be able to go and work with the younger players and encourage them to take their game to a better level when reaching high school" said Screptock - the Blue Devils ultimate goal is to win a district title and continue to develop players and see them have success.  "We are going to graduate a lot this year including a lot of goals up front and quality defending and goalkeeping but the best thing is to keep pushing these guys and building. We want to have the success and continue to challenge for NLL and district titles and become one of the elite programs in the area." said Screptock. On behave of NWO Soccer Weekly we like to congratulate first-year head coach of the Springfield Blue Devils Andrew Screptock on being named the first-ever NWO Soccer Weekly (Boys') Coach of the Year. We wish you nothing but the best and continuing to build your program.

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NWO Soccer Weekly (Boys') 'Fantastic' 22

Presents the

2014 'Fantastic' 22

*note that all players are not being ranked in anyway

Camden Buescher,  Senior,  Midfield/Forward,  St. John's Jesuit (Toledo)

Hector Aguirre,  Senior,  Forward,  Rossford

Collin Clarke,  Junior,  Forward,  St. Francis de Sales (Toledo)

Kyle Rowan,  Senior,  Goalkeeper,  Perrysburg

Daniel Kenner,  Senior,  Midfielder,  St. Francis de Sales (Toledo)

Aerin West,  Junior,  Midfielder,  Sylvania Northview

Zach Harris,  Senior,  Midfielder,  Anthony Wayne (Whitehouse)

Nick Hauck,  Senior,  Forward/Midfielder,  Ottawa Hills

Sean Miller,  Senior,  Forward,  Springfield (Holland)

Tyler Wenzelman,  Senior,  Midfielder,  Perrysburg

Ishmael Gad,  Senior,  Midfield/Forward,  Sylvania Southview

Mason Hill,  Senior,  Defender,  Findlay

Nick Yeager,  Senior,  Midfielder,  Springfield (Holland)

Ben Haselhuhn,  Senior,  Defender,  Sylvania Northview

Thomas Cundliffe,  Junior,  Forward,  Maumee Valley Country Day School

Johnathan Cooper,  Senior,  Midfielder,  St. John's Jesuit (Toledo)

Alexander Majors,  Junior,   Midfielder,   Findlay

Luke Dangler,  Senior,  Forward,  Ottawa Hills

Jarrett Kharalfa,  Senior,  Goalkeeper,  St. John's Jesuit (Toledo)

Josiah Nichols,  Senior,  Forward,  Bowling Green

Hunter Theis,  Junior,  Defender,  Anthony Wayne

Tyler Biggs,  Sophomore,  Midfielder,  Sylvania Northview 

NWO Soccer Weekly (Girls') 'Fantastic' 22

Presents the

2014 'Fantastic' 22

*note that these players are not ranked in anyway

Dena Deeb,  Junior,  Forward/Midfield,  Notre Dame Academy (Toledo)

Allex Brown,  Senior,  Forward, Perrysburg

Karlie O'Keefe,  Junior,  Forward, Sylvania Northview

Payton Sullivan, Freshman,  Forward, St. Ursula Academy (Toledo)

Karleigh Clere,  Sophomore,  Forward,  Clay (Oregon)

Linden 'Lindy' DeLong,  Senior,  Defender,  Perrysburg

Amanda Kovaleski,  Senior,  Forward,  Findlay

Kathleen Duwve,  Junior,  Goalkeeper,  Sylvania Northview

Lauren Micham,  Sophomore ,  Forward,  Sylvania Southview

Reagan Clark,  Freshman,  Midfield,  Clay (Oregon)

Grace Donnelly,  Junior,  Defender/Midfielder,  St. Ursula Academy (Toledo)

Sami Heintschel, Sophomore,  Defender, Clay (Oregon)

Katie Kovacs,  Junior,  Midfield,  Central Catholic (Toledo)

Katie Foster,  Senior,  Defender,  Notre Dame Academy (Toledo)

Kama Hardy,  Sophomore,  Forward,  Cardinal Stritch (Oregon)

Leah Arnsby,  Senior,  Midfield,  Sylvania Northview

Bri Boyd,  Junior,  Defender,  Perrysburg

Renee Saneholtz,  Sophomore,  Defender,  Anthony Wayne

Alicia Hernandez,  Junior,  Midfielder,  Archbold

Jordyn Taylor,  Senior,  Midfielder,  Lake (Millbury)

Erika Myers,  Sophomore,  Goalkeeper,  Springfield (Holland)

Bailey Kurdys, Sophomore,  Forward,  Whitmer


 


 

NWO Soccer Weekly (Boys') Player of the Year - Matt Bules

   A competitor with a positive swagger, work rate and ability to lead is the blueprint to Bules' game

Toledo - Sylvania Northview had a season to remember, being in the top half of the state of Ohio in Division I, winning their second straight NLL title and a special senior paving the way for many of his teammates and younger players in the Wildcat program - that special senior is midfielder Matt Bules.  Bules finished off one of his best seasons he has ever had as a player and doing something that he may not be known for...scoring goals.  Bules went on a tear in the middle of the season, tallying goals in nine straight contests and helped keep the Wildcats in position for their first District title since 2007 - but the season took an interesting shift. Back on September 27th, Bules left the St. Francis de Sales with a knee injury - an injury at the time that was undisclosed; but that was not going to stop Bules from performing at a top-level. "The injury was a setback but that is all I thought it was, just a minor setback" said Bules; and it was just a minor setback. In the district semifinal in which the Wildcats dropped on penalties to St. John's Jesuit - Bules continued his brilliance like he had done all season and created many opportunities throughout the extended match, at the end of the match Matt saw his senior season come to an end but it did not keep the quirky and stern Bules from enjoying what the team had accomplished. "I wanted to end my Northview soccer career on a high note and we may not have won a district title but being with my teammates day-in and day-out was a lot of fun and just batting. There are more important things sometimes than winning a title, just being around your brothers and working for each other is gratifying on its own" said Bules. The senior midfielder finished the season with 16 goals and 5 assists and was a key in that dominant midfield the Wildcats

possessed; Bules not known for his goal-scoring output was very impressed with his efforts throughout the season. "It felt great scoring goals and helping the team in anyway I could. I know I may not be that player [scoring] but sometimes being in the right position and putting chances away makes you feel great" said Bules - and it gave a Wildcats a boost at times when they needed it the most. Watching a player like Matt Bules, sometimes it can raise those hairs on your arm. His relentlessness and competitive edge is worth the ticket of admission - so many times this fall this young man would just do something in a match that was worthy and noted by any opposing player, coach or fan could admire. If you ask me - whatever this young man received in the post-season with accolades - it was rightfully deserved. This fall, Bules was named First Team All-NLL, All-District and All-Ohio; joining many great players that have come through the Sylvania Northview soccer program. With all those accolades, Matt was selected as the NLL Player of the Year and now named the first ever NWO Soccer Weekly Boys' Player of the Year. Bules hopes to attend the Ohio State University and planning on continuing his soccer with the club soccer team in Columbus.  When asking Matt about what he wants to leave behind younger players and future players coming through the Wildcat program he stated "Go out and always give 100 percent, we are a family first and have to put our own personal egos behind because it can sink a team's chemistry". Fourth-year Northview head coach and alumnus Jon Haynes raved about Bules' performance this past fall "Matt's senior year caps a great career for him. He has always been a hard working, tough as nails kind of kid. Seeing him excel in his last year was an absolute pleasure" said Haynes. "He's a tough

Courtesy of Toledo Blade

competitor and did not settle for anything less than success. Most importantly though, Matt is an outstanding man and ambassador for his team, his school and the community [of Sylvania]". Congratulations to Matt Bules on this prestigious award and being our first ever on the boys side and we wish you nothing but the best in his future endeavors both academically and athletically.

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NWO Soccer Weekly (Girls') Player of the Year - Abby Allen

Courtesy of Toledo Blade

Steady, pacey and just a flat out goal scorer - AW's Abby Allen a cut above many in NW Ohio and the State

Toledo - Not many student-athletes can say they have done what Abby Allen has been able to do in her high school soccer career - help propel the Generals to three straight district finals (2 district titles and a regional final appearance), leave the program as the all-time goal scorer, leader in assist (both career and season) and be a first-team All-Ohioan, but when talking to this young lady she will not talk about herself but more about the team.  "It has been great to play in this program and get such a great experience like the one I have had" said Allen. "We are such a family and we have deserved everything that we have accomplished", with that being said the Generals have become one of the top girls' programs not only in northwest Ohio but in the state. Allen's ability and skill to score goals have taken this program to new heights, coming in as a freshman Allen set the tone early with her abilities and to be a danger for any team's defending four or goalkeeper. This fall, Allen finished with 26 goals and in a match back in Findlay on September 29th she finished with two goals in that match and passed her older sister and former northwest Ohio talent Kate to become the Generals' all-time leader in goals.  With all of the talent that graduated this past summer, most felt that Allen would have to take on more responsibilities but she would have to disagree with that statement - "I knew it would be different this year but we worked hard and as the season went on and our chemistry got a lot better and it really came together for us. Coach Williams always preaches family and working for each other and it was just an awesome year I could not be more proud of our team" said Allen.  When watching a player of Abby Allen's caliber you hate to see them graduate and move on because it is such a great thing to see when you have a chance to watch her - next fall Abby will continue her soccer career at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana in the Big Ten...like her sister Kate did at Northwestern University. 

Courtesy of Toledo Blade

When asking her about the next level, she felt very confident and ready to adjust her game at the collegiate level - "It will be a tough adjustment but I am looking forward to the challenge. I have met many of the girls and they are all very nice and looking forward to all of the new players coming in" said Allen.  Abby is a two-way athlete; she is a starter on the Anthony Wayne girls' basketball team and helped them immensely last winter and with balancing athletics and other various extracurricular activities Allen ranks as the top student in her graduating class of 2015 at Anthony Wayne with a GPA of 4.8 - Allen sets the bar for many who are coming into the AW program or regulars who are currently still active in the program. "It is important leaving a great mark with being the leading scorer in the program but realistically it is leaving a positive experience so young players can achieve their goals both personal and as a team. I remember that when I was a freshman and being so excited for the years to come".  This fall Allen has collected many accolades including being named first team All-NLL, All-District and All-Ohio; while being named the unanimous choice for the NLL and District Player of the Year and now the first-ever NWO Soccer Weekly Girls' Player of the Year. Anthony Wayne head coach Lori Williams had nothing but great words to say about the senior leader; "In my opinion the sky is the limit for a player like Abby. She is just so natural in front of goal and has a great tactical sense" said Williams. "To get the attention she was getting in matches [from] opponents and putting up the number of goals and assist that she did is incredible and speaks volumes of the player she has become. She is a not only a great player but a great person and it is a testament to her family and how she has been brought up. She and all of our great seniors will be missed next fall". On behalf of NWO Soccer Weekly we congratulate Abby on her terrific season and receiving such a prestigious award - we wish you nothing but the best in your future endeavors both academically and athletically.

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Check out NWO Soccer Weekly Press Release video on Vimeo

https://vimeo.com/111555355


Check out the NWO Soccer Weekly Press Release!!

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NWO Soccer Weekly to announce the 1st annual 'Fantastic' 22 on Thursday

            Sylvania Northview's Kamy Mourad gets tangled up with St. John's Jesuit Zach Buescher

Toledo - For the first time in the existence of NWO Soccer Weekly will announce the 'Fantastic' 22 tomorrow evening honoring the best twenty-two players in the northwest Ohio area.  NWO Soccer in its first season in existence has given many fans in the northwest Ohio area something that they can depend on and get results out there.  "I feel it is my obligation to be a leader and the face of northwest Ohio soccer" said Francis Stephens, founder of NWO Soccer Weekly.  "It is important that we give our fans the best content and quality so they can continue to come and visit the site and even our social media outlets".  The 'Fantastic" 22 will consist of the twenty-two best players in the northwest Ohio area and then honoring a coach from the boys and girls side as well as the Player of the Year and Team of the Year.  "This area has so many great players and coaches. I have always felt our teams and players and coaches have never been respect from many others throughout the state, over the last couple of years we have seen many players go to the next level and shine" said Stephens.  "The big goal for me is to make this brand stronger and continue to give student-athletes, coaches and most importantly the parents something to follow an be informed with" said Stephens as he does double-duty with his responsibilities as a writer and editor of the blog and is a color-commentator for BCSN (Buckeye Cable Sports Network). You can see the official 'Fantastic 22" posted on the NWO Soccer Weekly blog Thursday at 9PM and will be linked and released on Facebook and Twitter at the same time. 

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Perrysburg aiming for second final four appearance - opponent Rocky River Magnificat have history with Yellow Jackets

Toledo - Perrysburg is looking to do something very special on Saturday afternoon at Sandusky Perkins High School - looking to get back to their 2nd state final four in three seasons.  Back in 2012, the Yellow Jackets did something no other girls' team in northwest Ohio has ever done and that is win a Division I state title - not many familiar faces are left from that team but a few names that ring a bell and have a part of the reason why the Jackets are in this position again. Seniors Allex Brown and Lindy DeLong have been a major reason why this side has seen a lot of success this fall and their unselfishness has given this Jackets team a major boost throughout the tough tournament draw.  Perrysburg (16-2-2) has had some very tough games down the stretch from the semifinal of the district to when they step on the field against defending regional champions Rocky River Magnificat - the Yellow Jackets defeated Ashland in the semifinal (4-2) and then had to get a late AW own goal with under five minutes to play in regulation to knock off a red-hot Generals team who had not lost in nearly a month and a half by a score of 1-0, and in the regional semifinal senior Allex Brown used her magic to get a late game-winner with :22 left in regulation to knock off NLL rival Sylvania Northview - but head coach of Perrysburg Jorge Diaz knows how hard this has been throughout the tournament. "These games are always tough and it is hard to beat a team twice. We were fortunate to beat both Anthony Wayne and Northview twice, but they were very competitive games that could have went either way" said Diaz about their tournament run.  With some of the holdovers from 2012 still in the program, it has brought a bit of that tournament experience you need in tight games "This the fun part of high school soccer are these types of games, your kids are going to play hard for 80 minutes no matter what, In my time at Ottawa Hills when we made our run to the state title and back in 2012, you can share those experiences with younger players who have not yet played in this type of an environment and the only thing you can hope is they do not let the emotions get their focus out of place" said Diaz.  The Yellow Jackets attack has been the reason why they are in the position they are in - led by senior veteran Allex Brown (19g, 7a), junior Beth Glowacki (11, 1a) and sophomores Anna Kirby (10g, 3a) and Leah Tilton (5g, 4a) give the Jackets the spark they need up front - midfield players junior Erika Joldrichsen and sophomore Hailey Wenzelman with the combo give you pace/creativity and work rate/effort - together they compliment each other very well. In the back, the Yellow Jackets have been very steady with junior Bri Boyd, Emily Baer, sophomore Maggie Morse and the senior captain Lindy DeLong - DeLong is dangerous in many ways especially with restarts, as a defender DeLong has tallied 2 goals on the season with 4 assists. "They [Magnificat] have great players and Gretchen is a quality coach. We will be ready for a fight on Saturday afternoon, this is a big momemt for both of us to have a chance to play in the final four - like them we know this level very well and we have experience. This is going to be a great game" said Diaz. In the first matchup with Mags the Jackets lost 1-0 and felt that they did not play to their level "We know we can play with them but we have to be better defending and marking their players in the middle. They are a very technical side and will give you problems if you can not press them. Hopefully this time we are better prepared and can finish some of the opportunities that we create in the run of play" said Diaz.

Rocky River Magnificat (17-2-1) is no stranger to this level - last year the Blue Streaks defeated Anthony Wayne (3-1) to reach the final four...only to fall short to eventual state champion Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit in the semifinal (0-1). Mags have had a new attitude this fall and have seen the change since getting to a high point last fall - "Last year was a fun year with great success [state semifinal] but we had some tough losses to some really good teams like Strongsville, Perrysburg and Rocky River. We are a confident group this year and this year we had big wins including Perrysburg, Rocky River and Holy Name" said second-year head coach of the Blue Streaks Gretchen Micklitsch - "The last time out with Perrysburg it was a very, very close match and it has been that way the last two seasons we have played." said Micklitsch. And she was correct when she said it has been very close matches with the Yellow Jackets - both teams have split with each other with a pair of 1-0 wins for the both of them.  Magnificat poses a a very strong attack led by senior forward Sydney Duggan (22g, 5a) and senior midfielder Sarah Lawrence (9g, 5a) who orchestrates the attack for the Blue Streaks - senior goalkeeper Kaleigh Piscioneri has been quality for Mags recording 13 shutouts on the season with a goals against average of 0.60.  Micklitsch has praised her team on their ability to show depth this fall "We have been able to use many different combinations this year with rotating players in and being able to see what they can give us. We play such a tough schedule and it is good to see players being able to come in and respond - we are playing well and we stress about peaking towards the end of the season. Playing those tough games in the regular season has prepared us for a run in the tournament, I am very proud of the girls and their progress" said Micklitsch.  If Mags look to beat the Yellow Jackets they now they will have to be better than in their previous game against Copley that saw that match go to penalties and Mags getting the the 4-3 win over the Indians Tuesday night. "That was such a tough game and it can be hard to turn around and do it again - but they have to recover and start right back at it again if they want to achieve their goals". "We have to be prepared from the pressure they [Perrysburg] will throw at us so being organized will be key for us". said Micklitsch.  The winner of this match will move on to the Division I state semifinal at a site to be determined next Tuesday evening against the winner of the Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit/North Royalton regional final taking place at Brecksville-Broadview Hts H.S. - this game can be seen on tape delay on BCSN with Ben Wilcox and former Ottawa Hills head coach Francis Stephens on the call. 

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Rockets' gain the point to advance to MAC Tournament - UT's 0-0 draw good enough

Toledo - The UT women's soccer program were looking for the break they needed today in an early afternoon showdown with Central Michigan - a lot was at stake! The Rockets needed a win or draw to gain the one point they needed to get to Sunday's MAC tournament quarterfinal and they did just that.  UT drew with Central Michigan 0-0 after UT carried the majority of play with many chances just wide or great saves by Central Michigan senior goalkeeper Heather Lauefer. Columbian international Isa Echiverri saw a great opportunity get cleared off the line in the closing moments of the game to end the match in regulation, in the overtime the Rockets were very threatening with their set pieces including a pair of great corners taken by Perrysburg native Geri Siudzinski and the Chippewa's were able to get the ball clear out of the lurking Rocket attackers. Rockets head coach Brad Evans was pleased by the performance and them getting back into the MAC tournament - "We had about 8 years there where we were in the semifinal or final and last year not making it really hurt, but I am very pleased for the opportunity to play Sunday and a new season will start for us right now. We are pleased with the progress of the team and just looking for that opportunity to play another game". The Rockets will play Sunday against an opponent who has not yet been announced.  

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Red-hot Generals seeking second straight Regional crown - Ohio's top-rated Copley stands in the way of the Generals' push

Toledo - If anyone back in September would have thought Anthony Wayne would be playing for another regional title Saturday afternoon...they would probably think 'no. Anthony Wayne started out of the gates with a massive stumble - conceding nine times in the first three games where they were 1-2 with losses to St. John's Jesuit (0-3) and Copley (0-5) but picking up 2-1 win over State power Jackson (Massillon). Head coach of the Generals Brian Billings had to go back to the drawing board and figure things out after such success in the 2014 campaign - well it paid dividends and the Generals find themselves eighty minutes away from their second straight berth to the State's Final Four. Anthony Wayne (12-5-3) enters Saturday's final on a tear after winning ten of their last 11 matches coming into this game Saturday at 12 PM - but standing in their way is the top-rated team in Division I Copley (19-0-1). "We respect them [Copley] and what they are about and their body of work tells you on paper they are the majority favorite" said AW head coach Brian Billings "but we are excited to be back in this game a second year in a row".  Anthony Wayne, who came into the OHSAA Division I State tournament seeded the eight seed showed northwest Ohio why they felt they were a bit underseeded - in a tournament that saw many interesting fixtures the Generals took care of business by dispatching Start (10-0) and then a pair of 1-goal wins against St. Francis de Sales in the district semifinal and then getting the win against Springfield after both teams drew 2-2 in the regular season.  Coming into last night's match the Generals had not conceded a goal since their loss to Dublin Coffman (who is in their regional final) and held off a wave of chances created by Perrysburg, but senior Evan Black who laid the knockout punch on the Yellow Jackets with 6:42 remaining in the match to propel the Generals to the final gave them a clear opportunity to knock off one of the nation's best high school soccer teams.  Billings was very positive in today's training and felt there was great energy and positivity between players and coaches "the boys are ecstatic and ready - we wanted to be in this position when the opportunity arose and they are prepared to play against the best team in Ohio". Goals have not come easy for the Generals as they have had to play very tough defending teams in SFS, Springfield and Perrysburg but at this level if you are given the opportunity...you take it.  The last outing against the Indians did not go AW's way and they found themselves very disoriented and unorganized - " We gave up a lot of silly fouls and a team like them [Copley] will make you pay for your mistakes. There midfield was very strong and it was hard to string anything against them and we were not doing a great job tracking players in the middle where they gave us fits." said Billings. Defensively the Generals have been stout and goalkeeping has really stepped up with the tandem of senior Alex Parlette and junior Brendan Vaughn - senior Chris Jackson and junior Hunter Theis alongside sophomore Tyler Mangotic and senior Jake Jankowski have been tough for opposing attackers to breakdown and be able to create anything dangerous.  If the Generals look to be successful they will have to be perfect against some of the best attacking players in Ohio. Leading the way for Copley is junior All-American Christopher Brennan (22g, 17a) and sophomore Skye Harter (19g, 18a) - Copley is a very complete team attacking wise and defensively.  Under the direction of head coach and alumnus David Antal, who was the member of the 1994 Copley state championship team has praised his team and what they have achieved this fall. The last time the Indians were in this position the Indians defeated a very talented St. John's Jesuit 3-2 and fell short in the state semifinal to eventual state champion and Ohio power Cleveland St. Ignatius - "2011 was the best thing to happen to me professionally - but since then we have gotten better and stronger as a program. Two seniors on our current roster were members of that team in 2011 and they know what this juncture of the tournament is about, it has just trickled down to our younger players and we have embraced every bit of it since" said Copley head coach David Antal. In 2013, it left a sour taste in the Indians mouth after being upset by Medina in the district final 2-1 (who then was beaten 1-0 by the Generals in the Regional final) and it gave the Indians something to work hard to not let that happen again. "In our program we preach family and being together and working for each other, this community in Copley has great support for the team, our girls reaching the regional semifinal and now us...its just a great feeling to have so many people who have faith in what your team can do on the field". When talking about the attacking trio up front for Copley - Coach Antal was very poised and spoke highly about the three "Those player are very special but they are unselfish. They have spread it around when they are being taken out of the game and it is good to see other players on the roster stepping up and being dangerous and giving us that final touch." Copley had to get past a very good Avon team 1-0 in their semifinal in Macedonia Wednesday night and they know the Generals will not be the same team this time around - " We have a lot of respect for Anthony Wayne  and Coach Billings has great things coming out of Anthony Wayne but we have gotten better and they have too. They would not be here if they did not". "They are a very physical side [Anthony Wayne] and last night in our game with Avon they were physical too. They made it hard for us and Avon's goalkeeper made some incredible saves - but we want to play great soccer, that's our objective on Saturday in Sandusky" said Antal.  The winner of the regional final gets a berth to the state semifinal next Wednesday at a site to be determined against the winner of Cleveland St. Ignatius/Hudson. The game can been seen on tape delay on BCSN with Ben Wilcox and current St. Ursula Academy head coach Chris Black on the call.  

IT's WIN or GO HOME...we will find out who will enjoy the victory or have to wait one more year

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Two current Pacesetter players headline the Toledo Blade Spotlight Athletes of the Week

Toledo - A special congratulations is in order to Sylvania Northview's Allison Rieger and Anthony Wayne's Jared Russell on being selected as the Male and Female Spotlight Athletes for the the Toledo Blade.  Rieger, who most recently finished her career for the Lady Kats of Northview was a catalyst to their success this fall in helping the Kats win their first district title since 2011. Rieger scored the game-winner in extra time against St. Ursula Academy to propel the Kats to the final where she yet score the tying goal against Notre Dame Academy in the district final. Rieger finished with six goals and five assists this fall. Allison is a member of the Pacesetter Soccer Club U-18 team that saw them last spring as 17s advance to the OYSAN State Cup final - while juggling soccer and many other extracurricular activities Rieger maintains a 3.8 GPA - she plans on majoring in physical therapy in a college of her choice. As for Jared Russell, he is one of the few remaining holdovers from last year's Generals state final four team - mostly a defender last fall for the Generals...Russell has seen himself pushing up in the attack. Last saturday Jared scored the game-winner against Springfield in the district final to secure AW back to the regional semifinal and helping them win their third straight district title (first time in school history to win three straight). Russell has five tallies on the year with 2 assists and while he is participating and helping the Generals soccer program excel he is maintaining a GPA of 3.2. Russell's career is not done as the Generals play #1 Copley this saturday in Sandusky - if all else fails he plans on attending a college of his choice and majoring in computer science.  Russell is a member of the reigning state champion Pacesetter Soccer Club U-18 team and was a key catalyst to their success last spring.  Congratulations to these student athletes who are staying determined on the field and in the classroom and role models to the youth in the northwest Ohio soccer community.

Generals stun Yellow Jackets - Black's game-winner with 6:42 remaining in match sends AW to second straight regional final

Toledo - Anthony Wayne senior Evan Black came up big for the Generals at the right time - the midfielder finished a one-time ball from senior winger Jacob Bores with 6:42 remaining in the match to give the Generals' a 1-0 win and their second trip to the regional final. "I'm at a loss for words" humbly said Black - the Generals came out as aggressors in the first half of the match seeing a lot of opportunity in front of the Perrysburg. Anthony Wayne senior midfielder Zach Harris thought he saw a shot that he placed across the mouth of goal hit the far-post bar and bounce back to the hands of senior Yellow Jackets goalkeeper Kyle Rowan - but more drama was to come. Both teams would see goals get called back midway through the second half; Perrysburg's Matt Nordhaus thought his flicked header was going in the back of the net until senior winger Kyle Wyrick poked the ball over the head of Generals goalkeeper junior Brendan Vaughn when the assistant referee called Wyrick for being in an offside position before the ball was flicked to him, and then the Generals' Black would see his shot that was nicely placed to the nearpost called back due to him being in an offside position. Moments later Black would redeem himself in a big way to give the team the game-winner. "It's stressful this time of year" said Anthony Wayne head coach Brian Billings "But I thought we defended well and created the opportunities we needed and finished on the one that mattered the most". Anthony Wayne (12-6-2) advance to Sandusky Perkins H.S. saturday afternoon where they will face off with the number one team in Ohio and top-five in the country (according to the NSCAA and TopDrawerSoccer) Copley (19-0-1) who had to fight and get a 1-0 result over previously unbeaten Avon at Macedonia Nordonia H.S. last night - Copley handled the Generals the first time around 5-0 but Brian Billings thinks this may be a different team heading into saturday's final "We have improved and gotten a lot better since that [Copley] loss. We know they are a good team and I feel we can compete with them right now" said Billings.  As for Perrysburg, they finish the season with a 11-4-5 record and looking for bigger and brighter things next fall - not a bad start for first-year head coach Brandon Decker and his Yellow Jacket program.

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Anthony Wayne, Perrysburg looking to take that next step - An All-NLL affair will take place in the Regional semifinal

Toledo - Two storied high school soccer programs will take the pitch at Central Catholic High School's Gallagher Athletic Complex looking to take that next step in the OHSAA state soccer tournament.  Anthony Wayne (11-6-2) have been battle tested throughout the year - starting out of the gate slow with losses to St. John's Jesuit (0-3), top-rated in Division I Copley (0-5), Medina (0-1) and the NLL champion Sylvania Northview (1-2) - the Generals found their stride towards the end of the year when it means the most. " We are not intimidated to go and play anyone in the state" said third year head coach Brian Billings "at the end of the day it makes us better and has prepared us to make deep runs in the tournament". Billings and his Generals should be very familiar with the Regional level since they have been part of the last three regional semifinal matches - most recently in 2013 defeating St. John's Jesuit (2-1) and Medina (1-0) to win their second regional title in school history, last time was in 2008 when the Generals advanced to the Final Four for the first time in school history - but Billings credits the experience of his players getting to this point of the season "We have very seasoned players that most programs do not have - our kids have seen many teams ahead of them make it to this point and it has become the culture out here within our program".  Anthony Wayne back in late August drew Perrysburg 0-0 and the Generals top man knows to expect a great match " They [Perrysburg] are a quality opponent, they defend well as a unit and Kyle [Rowan] is one of the top goalkeepers in the area - we know it could be a tight game but we have to ready for those moments in the match" said Billings. As for the Yellow Jackets - one of the most storied soccer programs in northwest Ohio they should be at this level every year but it has been unlucky for them at times in the tournament. Last year the Jackets were nearly 20 seconds away from hoisting the District title until Freshman Zachary Buescher spoiled the plans with a game-tying finish and then the Titans snatched a game-winner in extra time from Adam Naayers sent Perrysburg home disgusted and hungry for a different result in 2014. After longtime head coach Mike Timbrook retired after last season the Yellow Jackets hired a young and ambitous coach with experience in Brandon Decker; Decker comes from a rich tradition in the Richfield Revere program who were Division II State champions last fall under head coach Sandor Jakob - so Decker was the right fit to take Perrysburg back to where they belonged. "When getting here - it took our boys sometime to get to our potential - we play some of the best competititon in the state and we know that we are able to play with anyone on anyday" said Decker. Perrysburg (11-3-5) played a daunting regular season schedule including playing the same opponent Anthony Wayne lost to in the regular season top-rated in the state and in the country Copley. "I am very familiar with Copley and how to play against them - we were in that game and gave up a soft goal on a set-piece...from that moment I knew these boys were capable to play with anyone" - the Yellow Jackets looked to have turned a corner after picking up a big road win over St. John's Jesuit (1-0) and then drew the fifth-rated team in Ohio Sylvania Northview (1-1). "Coming into the tournament we have been preaching two things - you can not be emotional and just do your job to the best of your abilities" said Decker and the Jackets have by defeating Sylvania Southview in a tight match 3-2 in the sectional final, beating Ashland 2-0 in the district semifinal and then the game they wanted in the district final against St. John's Jesuit by deciding that fixture in penalties winning it 4-3 after finishing the regulation and extra time finished at 0-0. One reason why is the defending combination of seniors Jacob Kirby and Caleb Oeder and the goalkeeping of senior Kyle Rowan - "Kirby and Caleb have been very steady during the [tournament] run and Kyle has been great, making the saves that matter the most in matches" said Decker.  For the Yellow Jackets to knock off the defending champions it will take a team effort - Anthony Wayne is playing great soccer at the moment with the defending of senior Chris Jackson, Austin Adams, junior Hunter Theis and sophomore Tyler Mangotic, on the attacking side the Generals have been steady with seniors Zach Harris, Colin Mortemore, Jared Russell and Jacob Bores all holdovers from that 2013 final four Generals team who are very seasoned and experienced at this level.  "It will be a great game - all it takes at this level is one clear chance and capitalizing on it - you have to figure both of us will get that chance" said Decker.  

You can catch this Regional semifinal tonight on tape delay at 11PM on BCSN with Mason Lowry and former Ottawa Hills head coach Francis Stephens on the call from Central Catholic High School.

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Yellow Jackets win on late drama - Brown's finish in the closing moments lift Perrysburg to Regional Final

Millbury - With all of the negative issues surrounding the Perrysburg women's soccer program the last 72 hours - a positive came and it came with dramatic fashion. Senior forward Allex Brown finished off a brilliant finish with 22 seconds remaining in the match to give the Yellow Jackets a 1-0 win and their second Regional final appearance in three seasons.  Before the Brown goal, the match was looking to head towards extra time - in the first half Sylvania Northview came out with reckless abandoned and looked to create a lot of opportunities, while Perrysburg was more on the defending end of thing but looked dangerous when getting into the attack.  Sylvania Northview saw junior Karlie O'Keefe and senior Allison Rieger create opportunities but shots went wide,  while the Yellow Jackets were not able to connect with their senior forward Brown and sophomore Leah Tilton.  Both goalkeepers were not super busy inside of their penalty area but did have to see some balls out in heavy traffic by both teams pressing the goal.  In the second half the game picked up with physical play and scoring chances for both - Northview would have to play with ten after senior Hannah Creech was sent off after an infraction.  Perrysburg began to pick up the pressure and gain more and more momentum, Allex Brown would start it off with a great effort weaving through the Northview defense and just pushing a shot past Northview goalkeeper Kathleen Duwve and then moments later Perrysburg junior Lauren Culp would see her effort hit the top bar over the outstretched hands of Duwve.  Minutes after the Culp shot off the bar - Northview would see a chance come off the top bar and Perrysburg clearing deep in in their own territory...the game was waiting for that defining moment and with 22 seconds left in the contest Brown beat her Northview defender Abbie Bacon and blasted a shot to the far post over the head of Duwve to give Perrysburg the game-winner.  "It was almost like slow motion in reality - I saw it sail over her [Duwve] fingertips and hit the back of the net and I was just super excited" said Brown "We had a couple of players out this game and we talked about fighting for our family - and the soccer team is my family and we worked really hard and kept fighting and pressuring and its a whole 80 minutes you gotta play 80 minutes". Perrysburg head coach Jorge Diaz was impressed with the effort shown by his ladies on the field against a quality opponent "The biggest thing for us was taking care of O'Keefe - she was doing a great job creating a lot of them in the attack, offensively we just had to move the ball better and find feet and be dangerous" said Diaz. "Allex Brown was a difference maker today, she finished the opportunity we needed to get us to the next match". Perrysburg had to discipline and play without 3 key players in the semifinal but coach Diaz was very positive about the outcome of the players participating "We gathered the girls together and said we can crumble or come together - we needed players to step up and show their true character and these kids showed it and I am proud of their performance tonight". Sylvania Northview finishes the season at 13-5-2 and have nothing to hang their heads down - as for Perrysburg (16-2-2) they will advance to the Regional Final where they will play last year's Regional champion Rocky River Magnificat (17-2-1) at a site to be determined Saturday afternoon, Perrysburg was defeated by Magnificat on October 4th by a score of 1-0 but Final Four implications make this game a crap shoot.

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3 Perrysburg girls soccer players suspended for tonight's Regional Semifinal

Toledo - A staff writer from the Toledo Blade confirmed with Perrysburg Schools that 3 girls soccer players have been disciplined and banned from tonight's Division I Regional semifinal against NLL foe Sylvania Northview.  Perrysburg Schools declined to comment on the discipline and punishment that the student-athletes faced or are facing - names were also not released due to the privacy of the the students. Perrysburg (15-2-2) coming off a stellar 1-0 win over Anthony Wayne last Thursday in the District Final are looking to reach the Regional final for the second time in three seasons. Perrysburg head coach Jorge Diaz declined comment but said about the match tonight against Sylvania Northview "We are ready to go".

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Northwest Ohio teams looking to make runs in the Regionals

Toledo - Many teams start in the 'hot days of summer' trying to achieve the dream of making a run to Crew Stadium for a state championship - not many have that chance but the teams that are still alive can take it all in as they get ready to the rollercoaster ride of their young lives. Three teams outside of the Division I level are ready to make their run for a chance to win a Regional title to give them a spot in the prestigious Final Four of the state - on the girls side two teams are looking to continue their success in the state tournament - Millbury Lake (15-3-2) under the direction of head coach Don Jablonski won a district title cruising in Lady Flyer fashion over Eastwood (Pemberville) 4-0 and a date in the Regional semifinal in Findlay against state-ranked Lima Bath who won their district with a 3-2 win over Celina. The Blue Streaks of Archbold (14-3-2) once again wind up in the Regional semifinal with a district final win over Woodmore (Elmore) 1-0 in penalties - the Blue Streaks are very familiar with this level of the tournament and are looking to make another run to the Final Four of the state in Division III. On the boys side the Swanton Bulldogs (12-5-3) under 20 year veterANTom Krupitzer sees themselves in unfamiliar territory - the Bulldogs entered the Toledo District in Division III as the 8th seed and the magical run ended in the Bulldogs favor - knocking off the #1 seed Archbold Blue Streaks 1-0 in extra time, then knocking off 4-time champions Ottawa Hills 3-2 in extra time and in the final the Bulldogs had to win on penalties (0-0 a.e.t) to knock off 5th seeded Van Buren and win the District title. Swanton will face Fort Jennings who knock out top seed Kalida in the final on Saturday to push them through to the Regional semifinal in Tiffin on Wednesday evening. Best of luck to these teams as they represent northwest Ohio with class and dignity.

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Defending Regional Champions Anthony Wayne headline the NLL as an All-NLL affair will take place in the Regional Semifinals - Napoleon will take on Celina in Division II Regional Semifinal in Findlay Wednesday night

Toledo - The Northern Lakes League has had it fair share of quality teams since its existence in high school soccer and have seen teams have success in the OHSAA state soccer tournament.  In 2001, the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets under the direction of late head coach Pete Raffa reached the final, in 2012 Sylvania Southview under former head coach Chad Cody reached the final and in that same year the Perrysburg Yellow Jackets women's program brought northwest Ohio their first-ever state championship on the girls' side under co-head coaches Jorge Diaz and Margaret Bernard. On Tuesday night at Lake High School, the first two of 5 teams will take battle as the two top teams on the girls' side of the NLL Perrysburg (league champion, 15-2-2) will look to get their second win of the season against a very stout and red hot Sylvania Northview (league runner-up, 13-4-2) in the Division I Regional semifinal at Lake, Perrysburg won the first bout 2-0 at Cats Stadium at Northview, but the Lady Kats looking to make it count at the best time of the season. On Wednesday night - three NLL teams will play including two against each other; defending Region 2 champions Anthony Wayne (11-6-2) look to get past a Perrysburg team who has put it together at the right time. Both teams played to a scoreless draw back on August 26th and the Yellow Jackets had to go the distance on Saturday afternoon at Sylvania Southview by knocking last season's District champion St. John's Jesuit 1-0 (4-3 on penalties) to advance to the Regional semifinal - Anthony Wayne got a early second half goal from senior winger Jared Russell to dispose Springfield in other District final in Findlay Saturday afternoon. That win for the Generals gave them their 3rd straight District title (first in school history to win back-to-back-to-back) - the other team participating in the Regional semifinal is the Napoleon Wildcats.  Napoleon (14-6-0) defeated NLL foe Bowling Green in the Division II District final on Thursday evening at Central Catholic by a score of 3-0 to win their first district title since 2007 where former head coach Tim Carney took the Wildcats to the Division II State Final Four (first time in school history). The Wildcats will do battle with Celina (14-2-3) at Findlay's Elmer Graham Soccer Stadium Wednesday at 7PM - Celina who defeated St. Mary's Memorial 1-0 are looking to continue a storied run.  Whoever is the Northern Lakes League commissioner is must be very proud with the success of the student-athletes and coaches who have sacrificed and battled through 16 regular-season and now the tough tournament trail - best of luck to the NLL teams participating and representing northwest Ohio with highest level of class.

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Perrysburg looking to continue success as they prepare for a battle with NLL runner-up Sylvania Northview in Regional Semifinal

Toledo - Perrysburg head coach Jorge Diaz and Sylvania Northview head coach Rick Burgin are in very familiar territory - yes both these teams are a storied tradition in northwest Ohio as of late but tomorrow on the campus of Lake High School someone has to go home. Perrysburg (15-2-2) know this level very well as the last 4 years they have seen themselves in the Regional semifinal in 2011, winning the title in 2012 and advancing back to this same level here in 2014 - as for Northview they won their first Regional title and advanced to the State semifinal in 2011 (knocking out #1 Perrysburg 1-0)...but these teams want that chance to advance to the Elite Eight on Saturday at a site to be determined by the OHSAA. Both of these teams had to get by very tough opponents in the District final last Thursday with Perryburg holding off a pesky Anthony Wayne team that had won 11 straight games entering the final 1-0 on an Allex Brown goal and the Lady Kats had to go down to penalties to defeat Notre Dame Academy 2-1 (4-1 on kicks) in Findlay after senior Allison Rieger leveled the game with 20 minutes left in regulation.  "At this juncture of the tournament we stress what it means to have success and play hard and show effort" said Perrysburg coach Jorge Diaz "We know this team very well and know that we have to play our best game to advance to the next match" - Perrysburg defeated the Lady Kats 2-0 on October 8th and have looked very strong all the way through.  As for Sylvania Northview (13-4-2), the Lady Kats brutal regular season schedule has gotten them to this point and as they look to get to another Regional final it will take a quality game to knock off the NLL champions Perrysburg. Leading the way for the Jackets is senior veterans Allex Brown (FW) and Lindy DeLong (DF) - both of these young ladies know the moment and look to build to the strong body of work Perrysburg has put in these last 5 seasons - as for the Kats senior Allison Rieger has stepped up immensely with goals at the big moments of the game .  Seniors Megan Kupetz and Hannah Creech have done a terrific job in controlling the middle for the Lady Kats and their strong defense and junior goalkeeper Kathleen Duwve have been tough to break down and concede a goal on Duwve.  Both teams are very stout when it comes to defending and being organized - will be a terrific match on Tuesday night at Lake High School at 7PM and can be seen on tape delay on BCSN.

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Russell's goal propels Generals to 3rd straight District title - setting up an All-NLL 'Sweet 16' affair

Toledo - Anthony Wayne senior Jared Russell did not want to see his Generals' season come to a an end so he took things into his own hands - Russell finished off any Springfield chance with a fantastic blast past Blue Devil senior goalkeeper Jacob Schultz in the 48th minute to give the Generals the only opportunity to win their 3rd straight District title under AW head coach Brian Billings.  The Generals came out aggressive and setting the tone early with flurries in front of the Blue Devil net in the first half with senior AW forward Colin Mortemore putting two chances wide and just a bit high over the post from a ball sent in the box from senior Jacob Bores. But the Generals would not go out without a goal - in the 48th minute the Generals transitioned quickly up the field with a quick with a through ball to Jacob Bores and he would carry up the left flank to put a 'nut-meg' ball through a Springfield defender's legs and Russell finishing it off with a redirected finish to the far-post.  Anthony Wayne would receive a penalty with under 20 minutes to play when junior defender Hunter Theis would see his shot stopped by Schultz giving Springfield new life - the Blue Devils would gain some momentum in the closing minutes with senior Blue Devil midfielder Sean Miller causing all types of chaos in front of the Generals net. With the closing seconds of the match - Springfield senior Steven Sekarek would send a dangerous ball to the far-post and junior General goalkeeper Brenden Vaughn under immense pressure calmly won the ball with lots of Springfield traffic looking to create a half-chance or opportunity to level the match at 1.  "It's playoff soccer - we wanted to defend well and we knew they were good in the air on set pieces and had to make adjustments with moving the ball in the second half" said AW head coach Brian Billings. "We are excited to see Perrysburg and excited to see the NLL have 4 teams representing the league at such a high level".  The Generals, who are on a District tear - winning the last three district titles and advancing to last season's state semifinal were not rattled by the moment "we have such a tough schedule and have seasoned players we can step in any game and not be intimidated - we are very happy with the body of work we have instilled in these young men today".  The Generals (11-6-2) advance to Wednesday Regional semifinal at Central Catholic High School's Gallagher Athletic Complex where they will face NLL foe Perrysburg (11-3-4) who won in dramatic fashion over St. John's Jesuit 1-0 (4-3 on penalties) - both teams played to a 0-0 draw in the first NLL tilt earlier this season. Springfield, who advanced to their first ever District final bows out of the tournament with a 14-3-2 record.

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Clay (Oregon) and Perrysburg girls headline key matches in tomorrow's District Semifinal

Toledo - Top seeds Clay (Oregon) and Perrysburg look to continue their success tomorrow in the District semifinals taking place at two different venues.  In Findlay, the Eagles will look to continue their perfect season but will face a tough test from last year's District champion and second-place TRAC foe Notre Dame Academy;  Clay took care of NDA in their regular season tilt 3-1 on three first half goals to take control of the TRAC championship they wrapped up on the final game in the conference by defeating Findlay 1-0. In the second semifinal will have the Lady Kats of Sylvania Northview taking on the Arrows of St. Ursula Academy - Sylvania Northview defeated the Arrows at Timberstone in September 1-0 in a contest that did not see many clear opportunities on goal except for the one senior Megan Kupetz was able to convert; as for the Arrows it has been an up-and-down season with injuries and inconsistency but expect the Arrows to give Northview all they can handle to advance to Thursday's final in Findlay.  In Sylvania on the campus of Timberstone Middle School - Anthony Wayne will look to continue their winning ways entering Monday evening's tilt with Findlay. Last year's District champion and Regional finalist are looking to play in their third straight district final but a feisty and hungry Findlay will look to spoil the Generals' run - in the second semifinal the Yellow Jackets of Perrysburg will take on the Ashland Arrows. Perrysburg who has been lead by their goal-scoring duo of senior Allex Brown and junior Beth Glowacki and strong defending from senior Lindy DeLong and junior Bri Boyd the Jackets will look to continue their postseason successes. Ashland will enter the semifinal with a record of 9-5-2 and look to give the Jackets all they can handle - so many quality games going on tomorrow and looking forward to see what two teams will propel themselves to the District final on Thursday.

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Sylvania Northview finish atop of the NWO Soccer Weekly Boys' Power Poll - Clay (Oregon) & Perrysburg share NWO Soccer Weekly Girls' throne

NWO Soccer Weekly Final Power Poll

Boys (All Divisions)

1. Sylvania Northview                                         13-0-2
2. Springfield (Holland)                                       12-2-2
3. St. John's Jesuit (Toledo)                                 10-5-0
4. Findlay                                                             12-4-0
5. Anthony Wayne (Whitehouse)                          8-6-2
    St. Francis de Sales (Toledo)                             9-5-1

Receiving votes: Perrysburg, Archbold, Ottawa Hills, Napoleon, MVCDS


Girls (All Divisions)

1. Clay (Oregon)                                                  13-0-2
    Perrysburg                                                        11-2-1
3. Sylvania Northview                                         10-4-2
4. Anthony Wayne (Whitehouse)                        10-3-3
5. Notre Dame Academy (Toledo)                        7-6-2

Receiving votes: St Ursula Academy (Toledo), Findlay, Lake (Millbury), Springfield (Holland)

Senior tandem Camden Buescher of St. John's Jesuit and Abby Allen of Anthony Wayne lead the way in NWO Soccer Weekly Awards

NWO Soccer Weekly Players of the Week

 
Boys: Cole Gonia, Junior, Forward, Sylvania Northview - Mr. Gonia had a coming out party on the last regular season game for the Wildcats tallying a hat trick against TRAC-power and #2 in the NWO Soccer Weekly Power Poll Findlay in a 4-1 rout of the Trojans in Cats Stadium on the campus of Northview H.S. Gonia is slowly coming on at the right time for the #1 overall seed in the District and hopes to continue to have great success going into the second half of the season.


Boys: Camden Buescher, Senior, Midfield/Forward, St. John's Jesuit - the reigning TRAC and District Player of the Year has the Titans going in the right direction. Tallying goals in big matches against NE Ohio power Lakewood St. Edward and archrival St. Francis de Sales - Buescher is looking to finish his final season like he started when he first arrived at SJJ as a District Champion. Not only scoring, but setting goals up for the rejuvenated Titans, congratulations Camden.

Girls: Abby Allen, Senior, Forward, Anthony Wayne - The all-time leading goal-scorer in AW women's soccer history finished a great week once again tallying 2 goals in their season finale at home against Bowling Green. Allen is having a tremendous year and will be very key for the Generals' success at a third straight District title.



NWO Soccer Weekly Team of the Week



Boys: St. John's Jesuit - The Titans are making themselves relevent going into the State tournament. After a tough 1-0 loss to Findlay last Tuesday, the Titans were able to go on the road and collect two quality wins against traditional powers (Lakewood St. Edward 2-0 & St. Francis de Sales 4-0). Their win last night at SFS gave the Titans a 3-way share of the TRAC title with SFS and Findlay. Look out for the Titans coming into the tournament.


Girls: Anthony Wayne - Coach Lori Williams thought she could have a rebuilding year with what she lost last season after reaching the Regional final; but the Generals have found ways to perform and gain big wins down the stretch. AW picked up 2 big wins on the road against TRAC foes Findlay (3-1) and #5 in the NWO Soccer Weekly Power Poll Notre Dame Academy (1-0). Good team defense and effort has propelled the Generals back in the conversation as a team to watch entering the State tournament - congratulations Coach Williams and the Generals women's soccer program.

Stay tuned for the first ever NWO Soccer Weekly Fabulous 11 for boys and girls soccer!! Coming soon!!

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Sylvania Northview and Clay (Oregon) still on top of the NWO Soccer Weekly Power Poll - Perrysburg and Sylvania Northview on the girls side creeping close to the Lady Eagles of Clay (Oregon)...

NWO Soccer Weekly Week #3 Power Poll

Boys (All Divisions)

1. Sylvania Northview                                     12-0-1

2. Findlay                                                         11-2-0

    Springfield (Holland)                                   11-2-2

4. St. Francis de Sales (Toledo)                         8-3-1

5. Anthony Wayne (Whitehouse)                      6-6-2

    Perrysburg                                                      7-3-4

Receiving votes: St. John’s Jesuit (Toledo), Napoleon, Archbold, Ottawa Hills, MVCDS

Girls (All Divisions)

1. Clay (Oregon)                                             12-0-1

2. Perrysburg                                                   10-2-1

    Sylvania Northview                                     9-3-2

4.  Anthony Wayne (Whitehouse)                   7-3-3

5. Notre Dame Academy (Toledo)                  7-5-2

    St. Ursula Academy (Toledo)                      7-4-3

Receiving votes: Findlay, Lake (Millbury), Archbold, Springfield (Holland)

Sylvania Northview boys' and Clay (Oregon) girls' still representing NW Ohio in final OSSCA State Poll

Toledo - OSSCA released their final state coaches' top ten poll and Sylvania Northview (12-0-1) from the NLL are representing the NW Ohio boys in the top ten sitting at number 5 in the Division I boys state poll with Findlay receiving votes.  In Division III on the boys side Archbold still receiving votes in the top ten.  On the girls side Clay (Oregon) have been in the top ten all season pushing up to number 3 in the Division I top ten poll with the Yellow Jackets of Perrysburg receiving votes and a spot out of the top ten.  Lake (Millbury) are receiving votes in Division II and have been for the majority of the season, the Lady Flyers will host the Generals of Anthony Wayne today and hope to gain a result before they enter the tournament.  

Check out the poll!!

OSSCA State Poll

Boys Division I
 1. Copley                                            12-0-1  99
 2. Mason                                             12-0-3  78
 3. Beavercreek                                       12-0-1  71
 4. St. Ignatius (Cleveland)                          10-2-1  69
 5. Northview (Sylvania)                              12-0-1  67
 6. Olentangy Liberty (Powell)                        12-1-2  53
 7. St. Xavier (Cincinnati)                           11-2-1  43
 8. Coffman (Dublin)                                  11-2-0  26
 9. Avon                                              12-0-2  24
10. Canal Winchester                                  13-0-1  15

Receiving votes: Hudson, Findlay, Ashland

 Boys Division II
 1. Revere (Richfield)                                13-1-1  99
 2. University School (Hunting Valley)                12-0-2  88
 3. St. Francis DeSales (Columbus)                     9-2-1  79
 4. Bay (Bay Village)                                 11-2-1  64
 5. Carroll (Dayton)                                   9-1-4  59
 6. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (Cuyahoga Falls) 9-2-2  54
 7. Archbishop McNicholas (Cincinnati)                 9-3-2  37
 8. Bellbrook                                          9-1-2  16
 9. Memorial (St. Marys)                               9-2-3  13
10. Lexington                                         10-3-1  12

Receiving votes: Dover, Wyoming, Bexley, Warren (Vincent), 
Archbishop Alter (Kettering), Granville, Wapakoneta

 Boys Division III
 1. Western Reserve Academy (Hudson)                  14-0-1  98
 2. Cincinnati Country Day School                     13-1-0  86
 3. Grandview Heights (Columbus)                      10-1-2  84
 4. Seven Hills (Cincinnati)                          11-1-2  65
 5. Worthington Christian School                      10-3-0  51
 6. Hiland (Berlin)                                   11-2-1  46
 7. Mansfield Christian School                         9-2-2  32
 8. Zane Trace (Chillicothe)                          11-2-1  28
 9. Summit Country Day School (Cincinnati)             9-3-1  27
10. Bishop Rosecrans (Zanesville)                      9-2-2  11
    Elyria Catholic                                    7-6-0  11

Receiving votes: Wheelersburg, Archbold, 
Lake Center Christian School (Hartville)

 Girls Division I
 1. Walsh Jesuit (Cuyahoga Falls)                     12-0-1 100
 2. Centerville                                       13-0-0  75
 3. Clay (Oregon)                                     12-0-1  72
 4. Brunswick                                          9-1-2  62
    Mason                                             12-1-1  62
 6. Coffman (Dublin)                                   8-1-4  52
 7. Olentangy Liberty (Powell)                        12-1-1  40
 8. Medina                                             9-2-3  34
 9. Hudson                                            12-1-0  23
10. Twinsburg                                          8-1-4  12

Receiving votes: Perrysburg, Zanesville, Strongsville, 
Bishop Watterson (Columbus), Howland (Warren), Oak Hills (Cincinnati)

Girls Division II
 1. Archbishop McNicholas (Cincinnati)                12-1-0 100
 2. Canfield                                          11-3-0  85
 3. Chagrin Falls                                     11-1-1  76
 4. St. Francis DeSales (Columbus)                     9-1-4  60
 5. Clear Fork (Bellville)                            10-1-2  58
 6. Tippecanoe (Tipp City)                            12-1-1  37
 7. Indian Hill (Cincinnati)                           9-3-3  34
 8. Archbishop Hoban (Akron)                           9-3-2  19
 9. Jackson                                           13-0-0  14
10. Bath (Lima)                                       13-0-0  13
    Holy Name (Parma Heights)                          3-3-2  13

Receiving votes: Bishop Hartley (Columbus), St. Vincent St. Mary (Akron), 
Lake (Millbury), Rocky River, Norwalk, Granville, Monroe, Ontario, 
West Holmes (Millersburg)

Girls Division III
 1. Badin (Hamilton)                                  12-1-1  90
 2. Hawken (Chesterland)                              11-0-2  87
 3. Lehman Catholic (Sidney)                          11-0-2  70
 4. Summit Country Day School (Cincinnati)            10-1-4  62
 5. Grandview Heights (Columbus)                      12-0-2  52
 6. Elyria Catholic                                   10-1-3  36
 7. Worthington Christian School                      10-1-2  27
 8. Lynchburg-Clay                                    12-1-1  26
 9. Western Reserve Academy (Hudson)                  10-3-3  25
10. Ottawa-Glandorf                                   12-1-1  24

Receiving votes: Troy Christian School, Cardinal Mooney (Youngstown), 
Manchester (Akron), Fairbanks (Milford Center), Huron, 
Bishop Fenwick (Middletown), Bishop Rosecrans (Zanesville), 
Cincinnati Country Day School, Van Buren