ARGOS — In sectional action in any sport team’s that take an opponent for granted usually go home. Argos heeded that warning and came away with another boy’s soccer sectional championship for their efforts. It’s the team’s ninth straight sectional title.
The Dragons took a 6-0 win over Caston in the final and while they may have been considered the favorite coming in, they played like an underdog in their three wins, pushing the issue and doing what was expected to get the title.
“Caston as a group may not have been as athletic as Winamac but they have some guys who can really play,” said Argos head coach Todd VanDerWeele. “I was very concerned about (Noah) Howdeshell. In this situation, all it takes is one goal in a game to turn it on its side. I think we did a very good job of making sure that he stayed out of the game.”
While the elements were not as difficult as they might have been the night before, both teams had to deal with a stiff wind that made some plays interesting.
“To come out here with the wind blowing 30 miles an hour I was concerned,” said VanDerWeele. “I knew we could do it but I was concerned. I was very happy with the approach that we took. We kept the ball on the ground, we moved the ball quickly, we got the job done.”
Chino Roque returned to the lineup and celebrated with a hat trick, hitting a pair of acrobatic goals in the second half.
“You see that kind of player now and then that has that creativity,” said VanDerWeele. “He does some things that with another player you might say ‘no way’, but you have to take some of that because when he does something spectacular the way he can it opens up a defense and gives you opportunities.”
“He has terrific vision, he has a calming effect on the rest of the offense,” said VanDerWeele. “Things move when he’s involved.”
The Dragons took command from the opening kick and relentless offensive pressure kept the play in the Caston end most of the game.
The Comets were able to make several runs in the second half, but couldn’t manage to make a shot count.
The Dragons paid attention to another cliche that the best defense is a good offense.
“We like to have (defenders) Gabe (Stone) and Karzdon (McCrammer) come forward, and we do defend well together,” said VanDerWeele. “I’ve always had the theory that we attack as a team and we defend as a team.”
The Dragons (14-4) will host sectional winners Andrean(3-12), Morgan Township (6-7) and conference foe Bethany Christian (11-6-1) in next Saturday’s regional round.
•ARGOS 6, CASTON 0
at Argos
First Half
Argos Ted Redinger (Owen Nifong) 9th
Argos Redinger (Devon Allen) 14th
Argos Chino Roque 24th
Argos Pablo Mata 35th
Second half
Argos Roque 45th
Argos Roque (Gabe Stone) 71st
Shots on goal: Argos-10, Caston-0
Saves: Caston-4 (Bailey Zimpleman)
Fouls: Argos-10, Caston-5
Corners: Argos 7, Caston 1
Records: Argos 14-4, Caston 10-6
Argos 9th sectional championship in a row