Rams’ Cam Felix dribbles the ball while holding off the Commerce defense Wednesday. (Photo by Chris Putz)
SPRINGFIELD – Ten Southwick-Tolland High School boys’ senior soccer players received an unlikely lift in their quest for Western Mass. supremacy.
Freshman Ryan Todesco, in his first varsity appearance, had a hand in five goals to help Southwick romp host Central 8-0 Wednesday. Todesco finished with two goals and three assists, and senior Dillan Davignon netted a hat trick for the tournament-bound Rams.
“I thought we would get there (playoffs) a lot sooner than now,” said Southwick coach Frank Montagna. “But it feels good to get there. We’ve got the monkey off our back.”
Southwick, which improved to 7-6-4 with the victory, entered Wednesday’s matchup needing two points (one win or two ties) in their final two games to qualify for the postseason.
“I’m just happy that we’re here – finally in the tournament,” said Davignon, whose goal in the 35th minute gave his team a 3-0 lead. He tallied two more goals in the second half as the Rams poured it on.
Southwick opened the scoring with a goal from Bailey Emerson in the 17th minute. Todesco notched his first goal in the 30th minute to make it 2-0. His second goal nine minutes later – the Rams’ third in a nine-minute span – increased their lead to 4-0.
“It was my first game up here,” Davignon said. “I’m surprised I even scored.”
Three goals and two assists later proved the late-season move to call up the underclassmen was the right one.
Mark O’Neill and Jon Collins scored one goal apiece in the second half.
“We have a lot of experience,” said coach Montagna, whose team consists of 10 seniors. “We’re going to ride with that.
Montagna also said his team’s speed and defense has played a large role in their success this year.
Patrick King and Tim Reardon combined for the shutout in net.
