Derrick Webb, Staff Writer
Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
WHEELERSBRUG — In Minford’s workout room, there’s a picture hanging that says, “Berlin Hiland, Regional Finalists.”
CREDIT: Derrick Webb/SOSA
And it’s there for a good reason.
“We look at it every single day,” Minford coach Jacob Hackworth said. “That’s our motivation.”
Last fall, the Falcons’ season came to a close with a 1-0 loss to Hiland in a Division III regional semifinal. But they haven’t forgotten that loss … not by a long shot.
On Thursday, they took a huge step in gaining momentum to get back to that stage with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Wheelersburg — a victory that assured the Falcons (13-2-1, 8-1-1 SOC II) a share of the conference title alongside the Pirates.
So far, the trajectory path is still pointed towards the Elite 8.
“I’m just super excited for the kids,” Hackworth said. “We haven’t won back-to-back titles since the 2008-09 seasons and it’s only our ninth SOC championship since 1984. To win back-to-back titles, it’s awesome. It doesn’t happen often. It’s rare. We’re trying to build something special here. Winning definitely helps. We’re all in on this program. We’ve got a good thing going.”
The win over the Pirates (13-1-2, 5-1-1 SOC II) was fueled by a superb defensive front.
Led by captain Charlie Neal and goalkeeper Cole Borland, Minford held Wheelersburg’s potent offense in check for the majority of the contest. The Pirates’ lone goal was scored on a penalty kick as they were limited to 12 shots on the evening, eight of which were on frame.
PHOTOS: Images from Minford’s win over Wheelersburg
“Our defense, I’ve said all year, is the strong point of our team,” Hackworth said. “Wheelersburg has scored five goals on us this year and only one has been in the run of play. We’re extremely difficult to break down. We’ve got good backs and a good keeper, and everybody plays so hard. We’ve got size and speed … it’s just unreal.”
The night’s first goal belonged to Minford sophomore Gavin Downey.
The ball ricocheted the goalkeeper’s hands and found Downey’s foot. He tapped it into the netting to give Minford a 1-0 lead with 3:39 left in the first half.
After the break, the Falcons’ defense settled back in. However, a foul call inside the box sent Wheelersburg’s Max Hagans to the penalty line with just 13:17 remaining. Hagans promptly tied the score at 1-1.
For a split second, it looked as if the Pirates had found a way to force a tie — which would’ve given them the outright conference crown.
However, Downey had other plans.
Less than three minutes later, off another ricochet inside the box, Downey connected with nylon again to give Minford a 2-1 lead and provide the eventual game-winner.
“It’s extremely difficult to win in this league and I think [Wheelersburg coach] Jon [Estep] would say the same thing,” Hackworth said. “Congrats to them on sharing the SOC. Those seniors have three titles now. That’s phenomenal.”
Both teams now look towards pending tournament runs.
Wheelersburg awaits the winner of Chesapeake and Fairfield, whom the Pirates will host in a sectional final on Oct. 20. The Falcons will now get ready for their own sectional championship on Oct. 20 against either New Boston or Belpre.
One goal has been checked off the list. Hackworth’s crew is now looking to add to that group.
“Hopefully we can make a deep run again,” Hackworth said. “We started three freshmen and played five last year in a regional semifinal. All of those kids are bigger, stronger and faster. Plus, we’ve got a loaded senior class with six starters. So we’ve got a good balance of youth and experience. They know what it’s like and they know the feeling that we felt.”
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