Chargers play Knights tough

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on October 15, 2008 1:46 PM

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His team had just lost its 15th game of the season and Wayne Country Day boys' soccer coach Baron Heinemann couldn't have been prouder.

The Chargers dropped their final regular-season game 3-1 to state-ranked Greenfield at home on Tuesday and Heinemann was thrilled with their effort.

With seven eighth graders and freshmen in its lineup, Wayne Country Day held Greenfield to just one goal after halftime and scored on a defense that had held 10 previous opponents scoreless. It was the Class 1-A Coastal Plains Independent Conference finale for both teams.

Cody Neal's goal on a cross from Cameron Ford in the 63rd minute helped the Chargers avoid the shutout.

"I told our guys we had to out hustle them," said Heinemann. "Considering the last time we played them it was 7-0 at halftime, they whipped our tails. I didn't expect to win but I did expect a performance like this.

"So, I was very, very happy."

A pair of defensive breakdowns led to two Knights goals in the first half.

Curran Blackwell scored his 30th goal of the season in the sixth minute and Jeremy Jeffers' blast from outside the 18-yard box in the 12th minute extended the lead to 2-0. Jeffers scored again in the 50th minute.

Heinemann has witnessed his team display resiliency despite staring adversity in the eye all season. The Chargers have suited up four first-time players this season, three of which have started. Wayne Country Day (6-15-1 overall, 2-8 CPIC) has lost three starters and a substitute due to academics, and leading scorer Hil Tanner to a hip injury.

"I told our guys before the game started that compared to last year I wouldn't trade one player off this team," said Heinemann. "They have more heart than any team I've seen so far. They still come out and play absolutely 100 percent the whole game, they never let up the entire time.

"If a team with a record like that this late in the season is still going to fight and still plug away, especially when they're young and immature, it does my heart good to look forward the next couple of years."

The N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association soccer playoff pairings will be announced today. Heinemann remains confident that the Chargers will not only receive an invite but are capable of doing some damage.

"I think we're going to upset some people," said Heinemann. "I think we're going to get in and I think we're going to be a ninth or 10th seed. I think we can upset some people."