Warriors on the Warpath: Boys Soccer Begins a State Tournament Run

Out under the lights in the small town of Moodus, the Canton Warriors beat the Nathan Hale-Ray Little Noises. Good thing because that is one weak school mascot name.  While it appears that their mascot is of Native American origin (which any Canton Warrior fan would obviously not object to), the name does not roll off the tongue well.  Their announcer seemed to be struggling a great deal, plus being called little anything is just emasculating.  Just imagine... give it up for the Canton... Little Warriors.  It just sounds like a midget football team.  This is the big leagues, High School soccer is some of the most physical futball that is played.

The first twenty minutes, were a nerve wracking time for the Warriors. Hale-Ray relentlessly drove the ball at the Canton net. Thankfully, sophomore keeper Josh Frigo had his best game of the season, he was quick on his feet and kept dozens of balls from reaching the back of the goal.  In fact, the entire Canton defense was essential to keeping the Warriors alive, as they struggled to come alive.  The first half ended 0-0. By that time, the boys were in full swing, knowing they had the capability to win.

In the first half, Riley Hollis, a junior defensemen had ripped a ball just inches above the crossbar, creating the closest chance for the Warriors all half .  This had been a trend all season for Hollis, a lot of near misses, but he just couldn't sink a good shot below the crossbar. At half time Assistant Coach John Manners told the team that "Hollis is due."  he must have had a crystal ball because 15 minutes into the second half Hollis blasted a shot into the net leaving the Little Noises's goalie stunned.

Unfortunately, Hale-Ray managed to retaliate after a few minutes, bringing it back to a level game. The game continued like this until the final whistle blew.

Overtime began at breakneck pace, both teams rallied their weary players to fight for a chance at Valley Regional High School in the second round. The Hale-Ray offense continued to assault the Canton net making some key plays of throw-ins. When Frigo couldn't get to the ball, either Nico Tuccillo or Jake Dupre cleared it out.  With each of the post-marking players making key saves on the line (using their feet of course).

It was Jake Dupre who was the hero of the team at the end of the day though.  Seven minutes into the first overtime period, he put away a shot off a skillful one touch, sending the ball careening just outside of the goalies fingertips.  The Canton crowd erupted, drowning out the Little Noises (pun intended).  The remaining thirteen minutes were a test of Canton's defensive ability, but the Warriors held strong and kept the opposition trailing by one all the way to the end.

Tomorrow, Thursday the 7th, is the showdown of the Warriors as the Canton Warriors take on the Valley Regional Warriors, in Deep River at 5:00 under the lights once again.