Tigers advance to sectional finals; shutout Braves
Lead Summary
By
Stephen Forsha-sforsha@gmail.com
GREENFIELD — It's back to the sectional finals for the defending back-to-back South Central Ohio League champion McClain Tigers.
The Tigers (13-2-2), who went undefeated in SCOL play, easily defeated the Logan Elm Braves, 7-0 Tuesday night in the opening round of the Division II SE District Sectional tournament at McClain Field.
MHS led 3-0 at halftime with goals by Geoffrey Mitchell, Scott Balzer and Daniel White. Balzer's goals was assisted by Luis Rivas and White's goal was assisted by Ben Chamblin.
"We came out a bit flat, to be honest," MHS coach Shawn Jackson said. "But our kids bounced back both offensively and defensively. We were kind of jittery, but other than that we bounced back and took care of business."
In the second half, Sam Henry scored first for a four-goal Tiger advantage. Mitchell scored again, followed with goals by Jimmy Free and Rivas. Free's goal was assisted by Mitchell.
"We were passing fairly well, but we did have the ball bouncing around too much in the first half," Jackson said. "We weren't going to the ball, but the team stepped up and became the McClain team I am used to seeing. We got back on track after the first half."
Tiger keeper Ryan Case had three saves.
McClain totaled 17 shots at goal.
With the win, the Tigers will host Fairfield-Union for the sectional title on Saturday,
Oct. 23 at 4 p.m. at McClain Field. Fairfield-Union is 10-5-2 overall after defeating the Miami Trace Panthers, 8-1.
"We have to play better on Saturday against Fairfield-Union," Jackson said. "We were in this same spot last year. We have to practice well this week and get prepared."
Last season, the Tigers lost in the sectional final.
SCORE BY HALF
LE 0 0 — 0
MHS 3 4 — 7
[[In-content Ad]]