Boys varsity soccer finishes strong in conference play

What happened: On Monday, Oct. 12 the Grand Haven varsity soccer team battled against East Kentwood for the first place spot in the O-K Red conference. Both teams came out looking to score and pushing the ball up the field as much as possible. Each team had viable scoring chances but the team’s defensive strongholds held their own. After playing two overtime periods, the game ended in an uneventful 0-0 draw. Two days later on Wednesday the Bucs had a different goal: To win their last regular season game. They faced off against another conference rival, the West Ottawa Panthers and came out with not only energy, but the will to win. The Buc’s senior forward Connor Jettner slid the ball under the opposing goalkeeper’s glove for a goal with 25 minutes left in the first half. After quality chances from each side, the Bucs remained victorious against the Panthers this season, winning the game 1-0.

They said it: “We just united as a team and came together which made it a lot more fun to go out and play” junior midfielder Mac Mahacek said. “Coach had been telling us all year to just have fun and we finally did that.”

Key player: Senior Connor Jettner, week after week, has shown his ability to channel his energy towards his skills to create a goal scoring machine. He scored once against West Ottawa, and had countless other chances in both that game and while playing against East Kentwood. His focus is always directed towards the back of the net which has helped the Bucs add multiple wins to their record.

Key moment: Senior goalkeeper Garrison Mast launched himself into the air to deflect an East Kentwood free kick from just outside the goal box. This save enabled the Bucs to carry the game into overtime and come away with a draw.

Record: Grand Haven’s overall record is now 11-4-2. They are also now 7-2-1 in the O-K Red conference.

Up next: This next week is the start of the district playoff games. Grand Haven will play at home against Jenison in the first round of district play on Wednesday, Oct. 20.