Country Upends Fiesty St. John Paul II 7/8th Grade Squad
In a game that made the coaches, players, and fans alike glow with admiration, the young TCS JV Owls outlasted a feisty Saint John Paul II squad of mostly 7th and 8th Graders.
Coming off a strong 15-4 showing versus Pine Point in their season opener, the Owls found themselves down 2-0 early. Seven Minutes into the game, however, Jake made a beautiful backhand pass to Will in the endzone to draw within one. A quick strike by SJP extended the lead to 3-1, but from then, Country School would score five unanswered goals, pushing the score to 6-3 in their favor. During the run, Gideon hit Ben on a short crossing route, and Cam found Jake in the corner for the tie at 3-3. The first lead of the game came when Gideon zipped a forehand to Arlo on the left inside corner of the endzone, after which Will found Connor for a 5-3 lead. In one of the best plays of the game, Bradley caught a second chance deflection about six meters from the endzone, pitched it quickly to Ben who slinged it to Jake to take a 6-3 lead.
Saint John Paul scored again, drawing within two, but two scores from Lucy extended the lead to 8-4. The first was on a beautiful sideline toe tap play from Gideon, and the second was from Jack. Right after halftime, Cam hit Jake twice in a row on long endzone shots to take a 10-4 lead. Cam and Gideon would each snag one last assist to Jake, before a smattering of points resulted in the 13-8 final score.
Though it goes without saying, with seven players subbing in constantly, the midfield defense played a huge role in the game. Central to the team’s pressure defense were Oscar, Christian, and Mike; while meanwhile, Clark, Christian and Matthias played the deep throws and had several tipped passes in the opponent's defensive red zone. One of the brightest elements of the young season has been the growth of sixth graders Sam and Micah in their second year on the team, as well as newcomers Ben and Jack. That quartet of midfielders continue to work well together as they monitor handling and receiving duties throughout the game.
The team returns to action on Thursday as they head on the road to put their undefeated season to the test against OLM Prep in Madison.
341 Opening Hill Road, Madison, CT 06443
P. 203-421-3113 | Health Office F. 860-469-2550
P. 203-421-3113 | Health Office F. 860-469-2550
Founded in 1955, The Country School is a coeducational, independent school serving students in PreSchool-Grade 8. The Country School is committed to active, hands-on learning and a vigorous curriculum that engages the whole child.
The Country School is a community where diversity is celebrated and people of Color are welcomed, valued and supported.
We do not discriminate - nor do we tolerate discrimination - based upon age, gender, race, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic predisposition, ancestry, social and economic status, or other categories protected by Connecticut or federal law.
The Country School employs without regard to gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, and sexual orientation to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available to its community. The Country School is an EOE Employer.