In each of the last four games, the Chagrin Falls Tigers have scored exactly 15 goals.
Game photos click here.
In each of the last four games, the Chagrin Falls Tigers have scored exactly 15 goals.
And in each of the last four games, they have won.
In fact, this past week they defeated Hoban (15-3), Kenston (15-10) and Rocky River (15-2).
After starting the season 1-2, the Tigers defeated Orange 24-1 on April 14. However, after overtime losses to St. John’s Jesuit (10-9) on April 15, and to University (11-10) on April 18, the Tigers stood at 2-4.
Fast forward to May 6, and the Tigers have now won seven in a row and currently stand at 9-4, which is good for second in region six.
A main reason for their success has been the amazing offensive play of sophomores Drew Zelch and Sean McKee.
In fact, against Kenston on May 4, Zelch had six goals and McKee had five goals to help the Tigers defeat the Bombers, 15-10.
“(We) played a great game out there today,” Zelch said. “Sean McKee over here had some assists for me. I just got to thank the team.”
The last of Zelch’s six goals was an amazing shot as he was diving away from the goal under extreme defensive pressure. He was able to get off an extremely fast and accurate shot that found the corner of the net.
“I was like diving and I just stinged the top corner,” he said.
In addition to Zelch’s six goals, McKee had an amazing night against the Bombers, netting five goals of his own.
As it was a close game at halftime, McKee was asked about what Coach Zak Gebler told the team.
“(He said) we just needed to pick it up, the defense is getting a little lazy on the transitions,” McKee said. “Offensively, we just need to shoot it low. Just keep shooting.”
The Tigers followed their coach’s advice and scored eight goals in the second half.
In scoring five goals against Kenston, McKee discussed the one goal that stood out most to him.
“The one right before halftime — that really stood out because it gave us some energy going into halftime,” he said.
After the victory, Gebler reflected on the great contributions that Zelch and McKee have provided the Tigers this season.
“Zelch is a sophomore who is really coming into his own. The confidence that he has shown the past few weeks is phenomenal. We’re really high on him right now. He is a big piece of the offense,” he said. “McKee and Zelch are two sophomores we are high on. With them combining for that many goals, the future is bright for our attack. They are two very special talented sophomores.”
For the game, Zelch took 12 shots on goal and netted six. He also had three assists and collected two ground balls.
McKee took 11 shots against Kenston and netted five. He added two assists and collected three ground balls.
Also contributing to the offense against Kenston were Max Crandall (1 goal), Charlie Frederick (1 goal) and Owen Shaw (2 goals).
For the season, through the Kenston game on May 4, leading the Tigers in goals scored were McKee (35), Crandall (29) and Zelch (25) were leading the Tigers in goals scored; and leading in points were McKee (48), Zelch (40) and Crandall and Shaw (both 35).
The Tigers would next take the field May 9, traveling south to take on the Hudson Explorers.
