Seniors carry offense in win over Carlinville
BY AARON OTTIS
SPORTS EDITOR
JERSEYVILLE – With their 3-2 win over Carlinville Monday at Jersey Community High School, the Panthers started a win streak and made sure the Class of 2008 would not take a loss on senior night.

The senior class can pat themselves on the back after that win. Five starting upperclassmen accounted for three goals and three assists on the night, including the winning goal from Justin Meredith. Jon Harmon and Pat Madson had the other two.
Getting the win over Carlinville sweetened the deal.

“It was a lot of fun,” Harmon said. “We grew up playing these kids in Strykers soccer, and now we get to finish our senior season with a win over the same guys.”

Jersey coach Marc Patton was happy that his guys were able to bounce back after allowing two goals to tie the game.

“I thought we played really, really well, and we only had one big mistake defensively,” Patton said. “Their forwards were lightning quick, and it was a problem for us all game. They didn’t come out of nowhere on that first goal, but it sure looked like it. Their second goal was just a good shot. It was one of those things that seem to be par for the course this season. We played great for 60 minutes, then had a 10 minute let down and they capitalized. But we came back; our kids stayed up and wanted to win.”

Patton credited the home field advantage and the Senior Night crowd, saying the fan support had a good impact for the Panthers with the score tied late in the contest.

“Those five guys (Guerra, Harmon, Steckel, Madson, Meredith) had a good game tonight, but the team played great as a group. Every one that saw time made solid plays,” Patton said. “It was a great finish, and having an exciting game on Senior Night was reay nice for those guys.”

Getting the winning goal late in the game after losing the lead twice goes to show how hard this team and senior class have played this season, despite a losing overall record and a winless MVC record.

“This senior class is huge. They are one of the biggest senior classes we have had in a long time,” Patton said. “They have played great. They are a great group of kids to be around. I know that we will definitely miss them, not just for their soccer talent. They have been awesome in this program, and a lot of fun to have on the team. We’re just trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of the season and set ourselves up for a some good games in the Regional and try to go out on a high note.”

Patton said that playing competitively against Highland and Triad this week is key to the Panthers’ playoff hopes. Playing good games – and maybe sneaking out a win against two of the best teams in the Valley – will help Jersey prepare mentally for their first round match up with Cahokia.

“If we can compete against Triad and Highland, we know that we can compete against anyone that we will play,” Patton explained. “(Triad and Highland) are that good. We just have to go into it with our heads up and play hard. If they beat us because they are better, you can’t change that. We’ve held up well this year, and I think that will continue this week.”

Danny Guerra agreed.

“Hard work and effort – those are our strong points,” Guerra said. “As long as we keep our heads up and keep going, we will be tough to beat.”

Jersey defeated 3-1 Saturday, with Brendan Kimble, Pat Madson and Guerra getting goals.

Senior Jon Harmon (R) scored one goal in the Panthers' win. Aaron Ottis/thejcstar.com