Brian Hagberg
FRANKLIN, Pa. – Warren’s boys’ soccer team took care of a pair of checklist items in Franklin on Tuesday.
The Dragons avenged a loss earlier in the season with a 2-0 win over the Knights. The victory also clinched a share of the Region 4 title.
It’s the second straight region championship for the Dragons, and perhaps an unexpected one to those outside the program.
“We graduated a talented group of seniors last year and some people thought this may be a rebuilding year, but Coach Flatt found a way to get these kids to respond and leave everything on the field,” Warren assistant coach Chris Darling said.
Warren opened the scoring in the first half off a Parks Ordiway corner kick. Ordiway dropped the ball in deep on the set play and it found its way to the back of the net.
The Dragons got an insurance goal just past the midpoint of the second half.
Ethan Best made a tackle to give Warren possession then set up JT Blum for the second goal.
Will Nebinski had 10 saves to pick up the shutout in net. Nebinski got an assist from a strong defensive performance as well.
“(The) defense played stingy as ever in the shutout,” Darling said. “Corban Reinard had a career game and combined with Ricky Madril, Chase Sitler and Best to stop any threats.”
“I was really impressed with the maturing in the leadership of Ricky (Madril) and Ethan (Best) over the season,” Warren assistant coach Steffan Blair said. “They solidified a Dragons back line that historically is expected to shut down other teams and that’s exactly what they did. It’s exciting to see that development and success throughout the season.”
Jack Darling led the team in steals and tackles.
“The boys proved their resilience this season, in the Covid era, quarantines, schedule changes and just about every curveball was thrown at us, but we found a way,” Warren coach Denny Flatt said. “We knew going into the season there would be obstacles to overcome, but fortunately for the program (we have) assistant coaches like Chris and Steffen to elevate individual and team performance.”
The next time the Dragons take the pitch, it will be in the District 10 Class 3A playoffs at a time and location and against an opponent to be determined.
