Underdogs Aim for Success
09.12.06
Neil Pascarella

         After two straight seasons of playoff absences, the Rams Varsity Boys Soccer team is feeling positive about the upcoming season. The Rams’ first challenge of the season is to defend their Hempfield Pre-Season Tournament Championship for the third straight year. The boy’s varsity captain, Kevin Baldini, feels that the Rams will have a target on their back in the tournament. “Teams will be aiming for us, but we will respond well,” says Baldini. Working against the Rams this season is the fact that they compete in arguably the toughest section in the WPIAL. Teams include Upper St. Clair, who is ranked number one in the country, Chartiers Valley, and Peters Township, both of whom are ranked in the top ten in the WPIAL. This does not seem to bother the senior captain Kevin Baldini though. “To be the best, you have to beat the best,” stated Baldini. The Rams strengths lie on the defensive end of the field but their offense has potential. Baldini is the lone defensive starter returning from last year but Chad Kovalchuk, John Fakner, and Matt Blair have filled the holes nicely. Baldini feels confident in the team’s offense also. “With Tyler Dolanch, Jordan Kurth, and Wayne “Buddy” Smith, we can score at any time,” added Baldini. Big things are expected out of the top scorer from last year, Tyler Dolanch. The Rams also have a four-year starter defending their net. Senior Robert Crall has started as the team’s goalie for four straight years and also feels confident about the season. When asked for a predicted outcome of the coming season, Baldini responded by saying,” I don’t make predictions. We’ll decide that on the field.”

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