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

NWO Soccer Weekly Power Poll #1s headline the OHSAA State Tournament

Here are the schedule for games at the Sectional and District Tournament (All games subject to change).

NWO Soccer Weekly Power Poll #1s Sylvania Northview (13-0-1) and Clay (Oregon) (13-0-1) headline the boys' and girls' side as the number 1 seeds in the NW District.

PREP BOYS SOCCER
DIVISION I
FINDLAY DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 13, 6 p.m.
Oregon Clay at Toledo St. Francis
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 15, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Mansfield Senior at Toledo St. Francis-Oregon Clay winner, Oct. 16, 6
15, Toledo Start at 8, Anthony Wayne
LOWER BRACKET
15, Toledo Waite at 3, Findlay
13, Fremont Ross at 7, Springfield
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 21, 5 p.m. at Findlay
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 12 noon at Findlay
SYLVANIA SOUTHVIEW DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 13, 6 p.m.
12, Lima Senior at 10, Toledo Bowsher
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 15, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Toledo Bowsher-Lima Senior winner at Toledo St. John’s, Oct. 16, 6
18, Toledo Whitmer at 1, Sylvania Northview
14, Mansfield Madison at 4, Ashland
9, Sylvania Southview at 5, Perrysburg
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 21, 5 p.m. at Sylvania Southview
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 12 noon at Sylvania Southview
DIVISION II
TOLEDO CENTRAL CATHOLIC DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 13, 7 p.m.
10, Wauseon at 9, Toledo Central Catholic
11, Otsego at 7, Maumee
8, Eastwood at 2, Napoleon, 6
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 16, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Toledo Central Catholic-Wauseon winner at 1, Oak Harbor
6, Bowling Green at 3, Rossford
LOWER BRACKET
Maumee-Otsego winner at 4, Lake, Oct. 15, 7
Eastwood-Napoleon vs. Genoa
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Upper bracket final Oot. 20, 6 p.m. at Toledo Central Catholic; lower bracket final Oct. 20, 6 p.m. at Genoa
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 23, 7 p.m. at Toledo Central Catholic
ELIDA DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 13, 7 p.m.
10, Van Wert at 5, Elida
9, Defiance at 8, Lima Bath
11, Kenton at 1, St. Marys Memorial
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 16, 6 p.m.
Elida-Van Wert winner at Wapakoneta
7, Lima Shawnee at 4, Celina
Lima Bath-Defiance winner at 3, Ottawa-Glandorf
St. Marys-Kenton winner vs. 6, Bryan
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 20, 5 p.m. at Elida
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 23, 6 p.m. at Elida
CLYDE DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 13, 7 p.m.
12, Sandusky at 1, Lexington
8, Huron at 6, Willard
9, Ontario at 2, Clear Fork
11, Clyde at 4, Norwalk
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 16, 6 p.m.
Lexington-Sandusky winner vs. 10, Sandusky Perkins
Huron-Willard winner vs, 7, Tiffin Columbian
Clear Fork-Ontario winner vs. Port Clinton
Clyde-Norwalk winner at 3, Upper Sandusky
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 20, 5 p.m. at Clyde
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 22, 6 p.m. at Clyde
DIVISION III
KALIDA DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 15, 6 p.m.
10, Lincolnview at 4, Fort Jennings
8, Lima Temple Christian at 7, Spencerville
9, New Knoxville at 6, Miller City
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 18, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Fort Jennings-Lincolnview winner at 3, Lima Central Catholic
11, Allen East at 1, Continental
LOWER BRACKET
Spencerville-Lima Temple Christian winner at Kalida
Miller City-New Knoxville winner at Ottoville
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 22, 5 & 7 p.m. at Kalida
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 1 p.m. at Kalida
TIFFIN COLUMBIAN DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 15, 6 p.m.
Tiffin Calvert at Cory-Rawson
Mansfield St. Peter’s at Bluffton
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 18, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Cory-Rawson-Tiffin Calvert winner at Mansfield Christian
Old Fort at Ada
LOWER BRACKET
Bluffton-Mansfield St. Peter’s winner at Riverdale
Liberty-Benton at Edison
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 21, 5 p.m. at Tiffin Columbian
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 23, 6 p.m. at Tiffin Columbian
OTTAWA HILLS DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 14, 6 p.m.
11, Cardinal Stritch at 6, Toledo Christian
9, Woodmore at 8, Swanton
10, Liberty Center at 7, Pettisville
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 18, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Cardinal Stritch-Toledo Christian winner at 2, Maumee Valley Country Day
5, Van Buren at 4, Delta
LOWER BRACKET
Swanton-Woodmore winner at 1, Archbold
Liberty Center-Pettisville winner at 3, Ottawa Hills
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 22, 5 p.m. at Ottawa Hills
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 1 p.m. at Ottawa Hills
PREP GIRLS SOCCER
DIVISION I
SYLVANIA NORTHVIEW DISTRICT
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 15, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
15, Toledo Start at 7, Findlay
4, Anthony Wayne at 11, Toledo Whitmer
LOWER BRACKET
9, Sylvania Southview at 8, Ashland
16, Toledo Waite at 2, Perrysburg
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 20, 5 p.m. at Sylvania Northview
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 23, 6 p.m. at Sylvania Northview
FINDLAY DISTRICT
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 15, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Toledo Bowsher at Oregon Clay
Springfield at Toledo Notre Dame
LOWER BRACKET
Lima Senior at Toledo St. Ursula
Fremont Ross at Sylvania Northview
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 20, 5 p.m. at Findlay
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 23, 6 p.m. at Findlay
DIVISION II
ELIDA DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 13, 6 p.m.
10, Van Wert at 2, Celina
9, Defiance at 8, Kenton
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 16, 6 p.m.
UPPER BRACKET
Celina-Van Wert winner vs. 5, St. Marys Memorial
6, Napoleon at 3, Wapakoneta, Oct. 15, 6
LOWER BRACKET
Kenton-Defiance winner at 1, Lima Bath
7, Lima Shawnee at 4, Elida
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 21, 5 p.m. at Elida
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 12 noon at Elida
ASHLAND DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 13, 6 p.m.
9, Sandusky at 7, Edison
11, Mansfield Senior at 2, Ontario
4, Mansfield Madison at 6, Lexington
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 16, 6 p.m.
Sandusky-Edison winner at 1, Clear Fork
8, Clyde at 5, Tiffin Columbian
Ontario-Mansfield Senior winner vs. 10, Sandusky Perkins
Mansfield Madison-Lexington winner at 3, Norwalk
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 21, 5 p.m. at Ashland
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 2 p.m. at Ashland
DIVISION III
FINDLAY DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 14, 6 p.m.
8, Cory-Rawson at 3, Allen East
10, Bluffton at 5, Riverdale
9, Mansfield Christian at 6, Mansfield St. Peter’s
7, Ashland Crestview at 4, Upper Sandusky
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 18, noon
UPPER BRACKET
Allen East-Cory-Rawson winner at 1, Van Buren
Ada at Riverdale-Bluffton winner
LOWER BRACKET
Mansfield St. Peter’s-Mansfield Christian winner at 2, Liberty-Benton
Mohawk at Upper Sandusky-Ashland Crestview winner
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 22, 5 p.m. at Findlay
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 3 p.m. at Findlay
CELINA DISTRICT
FIRST ROUND OCT. 14, 6 p.m.
12, Convoy Crestview at 8, Lincolnview
9, Ottoville at 5, Delphos Jefferson
7, Fort Jennings at 11, Delphos St. John’s
10, Miller City at 6, Coldwater
DISTRICT QUARTERFINALS
HIGHEST SEED HOSTS OCT. 18, noon
UPPER BRACKET
Lincolnview-Convoy Crestview winner at 1, Ottawa-Glandorf
Delphos Jefferson-Ottoville winner at 4, Continental
LOWER BRACKET
Fort Jennings-Delphos St. John’s winner at 2, Kalida
Coldwater-Miller City winner at 3, Lima Central Catholic
DISTRICT SEMIFINALS: Oct. 22, 5 p.m. at Celina
DISTRICT FINAL: Oct. 25, 1 p.m. at Celina

Anthony Wayne rolls the Knights - Evan Black's 2 goals gives the Generals' the right boost

Whitehouse - In a game that was postponed for 2 weeks Anthony Wayne and St. Francis de Sales finally did battle where they ended out on the campus of Anthony Wayne.  The game resumed at 28:49 remaining in the first half and SFS drew first blood within the first 5 minutes - senior Jake Micham broke through and was clipped in the box by Generals' senior Chris Jackson giving the Knights a penalty...Micham converted and gave the Knights an early lead and that is when Anthony Wayne took over from there.  Senior Evan Black 3 minutes after Micham's goal responded with a goal of his own taking a rip from the left corner of the box putting it past SFS goalkeeper Logan McNamara off the far post to make it 1-0 assisted by Colin Mortemore - less than 3 minutes after Mortemore got free in behind the SFS defense and nicely chipped the ball to the top shelf of the goal making it 2-0 Generals.  Mortemore would take a ball down to the corner to blast a ball across the mouth of goal and senior Jared Russell would put the ball away making it 3-1 with 17 minutes remaining in the first half.  In the second half the Generals continued to press the Knights causing a lot of issues to generate anything going forward - with under 20 minutes to go a lightning delay stopped play for about 75 minutes but the Generals would not let the delay take them out of rhythm.  Evan Black would score his second goal of the match with under 15 minutes to play to seal the deal over the Knights (#2 in NWO Soccer Weekly Power Poll) 4-1.  "I was very proud of our boys' performance tonight, we came relaxed and just played to our potential" said AW head coach Brian Billings.  "If you look at our record - we have lost to the #1 and 4 ranked team in the state - I think we are a team that can play with anyone in District and State - we have to let the process work itself out and just be ready for when opportunity arises".  Anthony Wayne improves to 6-5-2 and will travel to #7 Dublin Coffman Saturday and finish the NLL regular season with Bowling Green and will host Dayton-power Bellbrook.  St. Francis de Sales falls to 8-3-1 and will end their regular season with very tough tilts including a trip to Cleveland back-to-back weekends visiting Westlake and Lakewood St. Edward and on Thursday night they will look forward to keep their TRAC title hopes alive when they host fierce rival St. John's Jesuit.  

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Deeb's first half goal keeps NDA's TRAC title hopes alive

Toledo - Notre Dame Academy has been scratching and clawing all season for their season-changing moment...key losses to Sylvania Northview, Rocky River Magnificat, Perrysburg and Clay (Oregon) made some people doubt their ability to get a big win - well on a sunny and breezy night Notre Dame's season changing moment came in the early minutes of the game. In the the 9th minute the Eagles were in transition when junior forward Dena Deeb broke through the Findlay back four and was pulled down on a clear goal-scoring opportunity - seconds later Deeb finished off a brilliantly placed indirect free kick from Emily Kozak giving the Eagles an early 1-0 lead.  "We took advantage of what we had, and we did a very good job of getting the ball in behind and pressuring them (creating unforced errors)" said Deeb after scoring the lone goal in the match.  "It's a big win for us and gives us the the right momentum going into our final games of the season". Findlay created some problems at times for the Eagles and right after Deeb's goal Findlay winger and senior Amanda Kovaleski broke through and put a quality shot on frame - testing the outstretched hands of junior NDA goalkeeper Ahalya Rai.  In the second half - NDA looked to be the aggressors and test the Findlay goalkeeper junior Marissa Wintrow, Deeb's volley chance went wide off of a set-piece and sophomore Julia Spencer saw her lofted shot hit the top bar to almost increase their lead to two. NDA head coach Chip Smith was very pleased with the result and the effort the Eagles played with "We knew it would be a tight game and we have been harping these last couple of weeks just play hard, be intense and have a good attitude, this was a great win for us and played really hard and keeps us alive for a TRAC title - we have a lot of respect for Findlay and how they play and they are a very organized and play hard" said Smith, the Eagles (7-4-2) will finish with a very tough stretch but will play local rivals at home hosting Anthony Wayne and TRAC rival St. Ursula Academy and on the road with Cincinnati power Mt. Notre Dame.  Findlay's head coach David LaRocco was impressed with their play but knows they can be better "We gotta go back to work and fix the mistakes (a couple unforced errors and one that led to their goal) - and we gotta get better in front of goal with our opportunities and finish them" said LaRocco. Findlay (6-3-3) will finish with Sylvania Southview, Maumee, a big tilt on Wednesday with Clay to keep them alive for a TRAC title, and finish with a make-up versus Lima Senior. 

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Springfield gets a late equalizer from Siers to draw Perrysburg 1-1

Holland - On a cool fall evening Springfield played host to the Yellow Jackets of Perrysburg in a battle of the second top spot in the NLL.  Sylvania Northview who wrapped up the NLL title with their 2-1 win over Bowling Green gave Springfield and Perrysburg to battle for the top second slot behind the #4 ranked Wildcats - the game started at a frantic tempo with Yellow Jackets senior Derek Zimmer getting a clear shot to goal before senior Blue Devils goalkeeper Jacob Schultz came up big with one of his many saves of the evening.  But Springfield would get good opportunities from senior winger Jerome Bernard - one scuffed to Yellow Jackets goalkeeper Kyle Rowan and another that barely went wide to give Springfield an early 1-0 lead; Perrysburg seniors Tyler Wenzelman and Kyle Wyrick saw chances get broken up once again from Schultz and in the 33rd minute Bernard once again testing Rowan and had his shot parried away by Rowan.  Controversy struck Perrysburg's way on a free kick from Wyrick that was placed brilliantly past Schultz and was called back due to an infraction before the kick in the 38th minute. Second half was set for a classic ending with Perrysburg once again coming out as aggressors with Wyrick and junior Andrew Bosworth having chances just go wide and saved by Schultz but in the 55th minute Yellow Jackets senior Tom Corcoran would score on a 35-yard half-volley blinder past Schultz to give Perrysburg a 1-0 cushion.  Springfield kept knocking at the door with chances from seniors Sean Miller, Joe Yeager and Steven Sekerek - in the 74th minute Nick Yeager delivered a free kick into the box where senior center back Josh Siers saw his header hit the bar but was called offside.  Less than 2 minutes after Siers' header off the bar the Devils were given one more opportunity and cashed it in at the right time with Siers breaking free and nicely placing a flicked header past Rowan from Nick Yeager to level the game at 1-a-piece. There were small flurries under 2 minutes to play but both teams would have to leave the field with a 1-1 draw. Springfield first-year head coach Andrew Screptock was very pleased with his boys play "We have played very quality teams at the end of the season to prepare us for a very good Perrysburg side - and we were very pleased with the competitiveness of our boys - our group is very well put together and looking forward to making a run in the tournament" said Screptock.  Springfield (10-2-2) will look to rebound after this against Central Catholic in a non-league tilt and finish off their NLL schedule with Maumee.  Perrysburg first-year head coach Brandon Decker was pleased but knows what his team is capable of doing - "It took us 40 minutes to string some things together and when you play teams that pressure you (like Springfield) it can throw you off" said Decker "looking at our schedule we have played a lot of teams in the top ten and we have to put the pieces together and we are playing with those teams, if we come out and play 80 minutes we are a tough team and we have seen some tough teams throughout the way (including Springfield)". Perrysburg (7-3-4) will close their season next Tuesday against the #4 ranked team in Division I Sylvania Northview in a highly anticipated tilt.

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