With the temps in the low 70's, the wind playing a factor and with a threat of rain, it is the kind of night where you're not sure if the game will be impacted by outside influences but fortunately that will turn out not to be the case. The ever prepared Jeff Iwema (last name will give the announcer fits when Trent presents himself to the spectators) has Tent #2 ready to go and actually comes out at half time to set it up and dry out the team. Mestach and Iwema are the chosen names to be butchered tonight, broadcastsport.net and of course the familiar voices of Craig and Ryan on Froggy 102.7 accompany the game again tonight. Sectionals and therefore the one win and move on or loose and go home format is about to kick off statewide. The Railroaders are 8-8 and just come off a 10-1 loss against Columbia City, the Panthers have some defensive restoring to do tonight after the 2-1 loss at Bethany. NW is looking to get back in the groove that they were in against the likes of Marian and Plymouth. The game kicks off about on time on the very unforgiving and fast carpet some call synthetic turf with gray lines to indicate the soccer field. It turns out to be a bit of a jittery start, expected somewhat; it is the play offs after all. In the 10th, Michael finds Solomon for the first time tonight who in turn gets the ball near the goal line to Carlos. Carlos is in the right spot but his effort goes over but it is an indication that the Garrett defense might have a long night ahead of having to deal with NW attacks. Michaels passes are spot on tonight. A very, very high Garrett defensive line (off side trap) is only effective early on when we get caught being in offisde positions but after adjusting to this high line (which at times is told to move up to the middle of the field by their coach)we get plenty of opportunities. The first one that penetrates the defense is a ball from Michael over the top between two defenders in front of Joel Guzman. He takes the shot as soon as it hits the turf and his effort finds the net for a NorthWood 1-0 lead. Dominic turns up the pressure a bit in the 25th when he decides to blast one from about 30 out. His shot disappears in the right corner as the keeper dives over the ball. Now the flood gates are open. Dom assists Sol for the 3-0 in the 28th and 22 seconds later Sol scores again for one of the quickest braces in NW history. A Michael Hahn corner hits a Garrett defender for the OG and 5-0 HT score. The Panthers come out strong in part 2 as well. Carlos makes a nice move and takes a hard shot that hits the post 4 minutes into the second half. A 25 yard shot from Michael hits the ropesin the 53rd for the 6-0 lead. Two minutes later Michael's cross finds a Garrett sub's head. The poor guy just came in and fires a header that he lasers into his own goal; 7-0. Maddox Brown has a couple of opportunities and his second one requires a great save by the Railroaders' back up keeper. Trace replaces Trent in the goal, everyone comes off the bench and gets decent playing time (15 minutes plus). Five minutes before the final whistle, Bryce Knepp puts himself on the scoresheet. Maddox passes to Bryce who scores the Panthers' final goal of the night. Final score 8-0. Solid job by the Panthers who move on to face West Noble (7-1 winners over Wawasee) on Wednesday at 5 pm at the same venue. The Panthers move to 7-8-2 on the season.
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