An Impressive Season for Junior High Boys’ Soccer
Written by: Diana Forry
Photographs: Nitty Gritty Photography
The Bellefonte Area Middle School boy’s soccer team had an impressive season this past fall with an overall record of 10-2 and a total of 31 players! This is quite an accomplishment. Throughout the season, players constantly worked together to create an inclusive and strong team that brought everyone together. They continually worked hard, made adjustments, communicated with each other (on and off the field), and never stopped improving throughout the season.
From the season, some of our most memorable games were against Tyrone and Penns Valley. Tyrone is always one of our toughest competitors, and both teams were determined to take the win. Bellefonte ended the first half 2-1 (goals by Ben Sharp and Jack Santostefano), but Tyrone quickly answered the score differential with two goals when they went back on the field and worked hard to shut down our offensive line. On a breakaway, Ben Sharp was fouled in the box, and Bellefonte was awarded a penalty kick. Teagan Detar successfully completed the kick and put Bellefonte right back in the game, but a minute later, Tyrone was also awarded a penalty kick. The initial PK was successful but called back as the kicker did not wait for the referee's whistle. On the second attempt, the PK was blocked by an incredible dive from goalie, Jacob Schellenberg, who immediately regained his feet and got possession of the ball as Tyrone's players charged the box. A final goal by Sam Pollick gave Bellefonte a 4-3 win over Tyrone.
Our final game of the season was another match-up against Penns Valley. The second game of the year had been against them, and they're also strong competitors with both teams having all season to improve before the final match up. The game was a battle of wills and physicality as players fought for every inch they gained. Neither team let up and refused to back down. The first half ended 2-0 (goals by Jack Santostefano and Elias Olsen). PV worked hard to close that gap with a goal just a few minutes into the second half, and later, a successful penalty kick. Bellefonte answered with two goals by Ben Sharp and one by Elias Olsen for a season ending 5-2 win.
A shoutout to our 8th graders: Maximus Aberegg, Gray Capurso, Teagan Detar, Ezra Diehl, Xavier Gause, Michael Herzing, Will Ososkie, Sam Pollick, Royce Rockey, Jack Santostefano, Jacob Schellenberg, Martin Silvestre Lopez, and Landon Stewart.
Player highlights: our offensive line never quit driving towards the goal with Sam Pollick, Elias Olsen, and Ben Sharp consistently putting numbers on the board. Our midfield, led by Teagan Detar, worked to fill any gaps on the field and made play after play on the offensive and defensive side of the game. And Michael Herzing and Rowan Cole became the heart of our defense. Goalie Jacob Schellenberg continually shut down offensive drives every single game and reinvigorated the team with every save. Lastly, I want to highlight Landon Stewart, Royce Rocky, and Maximus Aberegg, and their abilities to play anywhere on the field.