Spartan Boys Record Three Straight Shutouts
Vandalia, OH (July 10, 2004) Summer is the conditioning period for fall sports athletes. The girl's soccer coach, Jeff Stiver knows that, and the boys coach, Devin Stoutenborough is right there with him.
The boy's team has been in several tournaments over the past few weeks preparing, like the girls, for the 2004 season. The Spartans finished off their third summer tournament during the weekend at Vandalia Butler.
After competing in four games, the Spartans finished the tournament 2-2.
In the first game, the Spartans went up against Vandalia. The game started out well with both the score tied 1-1 after the first half. The second half didn't go as well for the Spartans, ending in a 4-1 loss. Later that same afternoon Jackson upset Valley View 2-0.
"We had a lot of opportunities to bounce back, but just didn't do it," Stoutenborough said.
On Sunday, the Spartans made a comeback in their remaining two games. First they competed with Tecumseh, winning 3-0 on goals by Jamie Bisceglia, Kyle Scarberry and Ryan Peck.
"It was probably the best game we have played yet. We passed well and did a nice job setting up triangle passes. I was satisfied with our effort," Stoutenborough said.
In their final game the Spartans were paired up with West Carrollton. The game ended up a victory when Scarberry scored the first two goals and Zac Munch knocked in the final goal. Overall Stoutenborough was satisfied with the results of the tournament.
"I was pleased with our 2-2 record because we played the best teams out there," noted Stoutenborough.
The Spartans also competed at the Milton-Union Bulldog tournament and the Greenville Ironman tournament. In the Bulldog tourney, the Spartans went 1-1-1. Their first game was against a solid Tipp City team, where the Spartans fell 1-0.
"They are a lot bigger and stronger. They are just more physical and have been a district team four out of the last five years. For us to play so well against them this early in the season really says a lot," Stoutenborough mentioned.
In the second game, the Spartans pulled out the big guns, scoring four goals to Dixie's zero.
William Heistand slammed one to the back of the net early in the game. Zac Munch added another goal to the score 20 minutes into the first half and then two minutes later Ryan Peck smacked the ball past the goalie. In the second half Kyle Scarberry was the lone scorer.
"We had the passing game we've had so far. We set up nice passing triangles and were prolific on getting shots off. Jordan (Donson) didn't let a shot in that game," Stoutenborough commented.
The final game for the Spartans in the Bulldog Tourney was against Bethel. It was 23 minute before either team scored, when Peck shot one in the goal. In the second half Bethel scored in the fourth minute to tie the game. The game remained 1-1 as neither team could find a goal again.
"We out-shot them 19-7. We just didn't find the back of the net. We were a little disappointed. We didn't have the same intensity," added Stoutenborough.
The Greenville Ironman tournament at the Darke County Fairgrounds ended a little better. Blue blood persevered through their games, tying for first place in the tournament with a 2-0-1 record.
"Our defense recorded three straight shutouts," Stoutenborough noted.
After the first half against Sidney Lehman both teams were scoreless.
"It was 0-0 at the half even though we out-shot them 10-1," added Stoutenborough.
In the second half, the Spartans turned the shots into goals. Scarberry put the first goal on the board at the 16 minute mark off a pass by Munch and then with two minutes remaining Bisceglia kicked the ball to the back of the net off a pass by Peck. The game ended 2-0 for the first Spartan win.
The host team joined the Spartans on the field during the next game. Both teams battled it out and both teams left the field scoreless.
"Greenville has a tough team and we were satisfied with the result," Stoutenborough stated.
The third game became another win after the Spartans scored three goals leaving Dixie scoreless. Bisceglia started things off for the Spartans when he scored off a pass by Peck in the tenth minute of the first half. Chris Philhower and Seth Midkiff knocked the score to 3-0 before the end of the game pushing the Spartans to the first place tie finish in the tournament.
"It was a good game. Our defense only gave up three shots," Stoutenborough noted.
