Lions win sectional title
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
For the third consecutive season, the Fairfield Lions gained a sectional championship, this year defeating the Eastern Brown Warriors by a 2-0 score at EBHS.
The No. 3 seeded Lions now have an overall record of 14-3-1, as the Lions have yet to allow a goal in the postseason following two games, outscoring their opponents, 6-0 in that span.
EB entered the match as the No. 2 seed, as both teams are members of the Southern Hills Athletic Conference. EB reached the sectional final with a 9-1 win over West Union, Monday.
At goal for the Lions was Joey Wilson. The senior keeper finished with his second shutout of the postseason, while also collecting seven saves Wednesday.
"Joey had some saves on some heavy shots," FHS coach Brian Ortlieb said. "Again, Joey had another good game at goal, but defensively, Quintin Schaffer and Cody Bennett on the back line were excellent.
"This win is a big deal for a program."
The Lions had one goal in each half, taking a one-goal lead with 17 minutes left in the first half from Jesse Current with the assist from Blake Hildebrant.
[[In-content Ad]]
The goal began as it was set up at the midline off a free kick following a foul by the Warriors. The free kick by Hildebrant was perfectly placed to Current, who kicked the ball in midair, volleying it into the goal.
The Lions' second goal came in the final 40 minutes off the foot of Ryan Bates. Bates dribbled the ball to the right, got inside of the 18-yard box. From there, Bates sent the ball across the face of the keeper, as the ball slowly sailed past the keeper and rolled into the net.
"The boys have came together and worked hard this season," Ortlieb said. "For a program that is just 10 years old, a third sectional title is huge.
"Jesse (Current) had a good game, and as a freshman, this type of game can be a daunting task. He did well for himself."
Fairfield will play in the district semifinal round on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Jackson High School where they will face No. 1 seeded Zane Trace.
The No. 3 seeded Lions now have an overall record of 14-3-1, as the Lions have yet to allow a goal in the postseason following two games, outscoring their opponents, 6-0 in that span.
EB entered the match as the No. 2 seed, as both teams are members of the Southern Hills Athletic Conference. EB reached the sectional final with a 9-1 win over West Union, Monday.
At goal for the Lions was Joey Wilson. The senior keeper finished with his second shutout of the postseason, while also collecting seven saves Wednesday.
"Joey had some saves on some heavy shots," FHS coach Brian Ortlieb said. "Again, Joey had another good game at goal, but defensively, Quintin Schaffer and Cody Bennett on the back line were excellent.
"This win is a big deal for a program."
The Lions had one goal in each half, taking a one-goal lead with 17 minutes left in the first half from Jesse Current with the assist from Blake Hildebrant.
[[In-content Ad]]
The goal began as it was set up at the midline off a free kick following a foul by the Warriors. The free kick by Hildebrant was perfectly placed to Current, who kicked the ball in midair, volleying it into the goal.
The Lions' second goal came in the final 40 minutes off the foot of Ryan Bates. Bates dribbled the ball to the right, got inside of the 18-yard box. From there, Bates sent the ball across the face of the keeper, as the ball slowly sailed past the keeper and rolled into the net.
"The boys have came together and worked hard this season," Ortlieb said. "For a program that is just 10 years old, a third sectional title is huge.
"Jesse (Current) had a good game, and as a freshman, this type of game can be a daunting task. He did well for himself."
Fairfield will play in the district semifinal round on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Jackson High School where they will face No. 1 seeded Zane Trace.