ARGOS – It was another notch for the Argos Dragons as they took their 10th straight sectional title at Eugene Snyder Field with a 7-0 win over Winamac.
The Dragons were in control for most of the game in spite of an aggressive Winamac attack especially early on.
“They came out ready to play,” said Argos coach Todd VanDerWeele. “They are always organized when they play us but they came out with a lot more energy than I even expected them to. They played hard.”
They also turned away some great Dragon opportunities early in the game. Winamac Keeper Max Murray had an outstanding night in goal.
“That was the story of the week,” said VanDerWeele. “Caston’s keeper was very good too but the kid last night did really well. There were a couple in the first half where they looked like they were going in but he somehow got a hand on it and deflected and got up and got it to keep it out.”
In the end, the Winamac defense wore down under the constant forward attack of the Dragons.
“It starts with Ted (Redinger) and now we have Ben Rangel running upfront and you have two guys over six foot and both are extremely fast,” said VanDerWeele. “When they are both moving and pressuring the ball it causes defenses a lot of problems. Forwards most times are a lot smaller, but when you get two guys that size that move that well it gives defenses fits.”
Redinger gave the Dragons the lead with a header off a corner kick at the 30:37 mark in the first half. less than a minute later he banged home another and the Dragons never looked back.
The scoring was capped by Caleb Rakoczy getting his first varsity goal late in the game.
It was also another tournament game that the Dragon backline gave the front the confidence and support to attack.
“We had a great backline last year and to start all over with (Kayden) Brady and (Aden) Mills those two have been fantastic,” said VanDerWeele. “I’ve been so pleased with our back four. they have controlled the middle of the field for us in the back.”
The sectional streak is a process that starts in early season workouts for the Dragons.
“We do a good job of enjoying (the previous season’s success) for a while,” said VanDerWeele, “But when we start to get together in the summer it has to be that that was all fine and dandy but it’s time to start all over and do the things that we’ve done in order to win or it’s not going to happen.”
It also ends a hectic and challenging sectional week and allows the team to get ready for another regional appearance.
“I’m actually looking forward to some training time with the kids and get ready for this Saturday,” said VanDerWeele. “We drew Morgan Township (13-4) and all I know is what I remember from last year, they were young, they were very fast. I don’t know much more than that but we are in the fact-finding phase right now.”
“I’m not expecting anybody to come over here and just chill out and take a few pictures and let us win,” said VanDerWeele. “We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Kouts (12-0-4) and Westview (13-7-1) will play the regional game one starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at Eugene Snyder. Argos (16-3-1) will take on Morgan Township (13-4) in game two starting at noon.