Neuqua Valley is in the State Semi Finals for the 2nd time in program history. Just like 2 years ago, the Wildcats are tasked with taking on 12 state champion New Trier. Caiden Perry and the offense look to carry over the momentum after scoring 17 goals in the Super Sectional.
First Quarter
A few minutes into the 1st quarter Johnny Hackett makes a nice sweep around a few defenders giving him space on the left side of the field and he scores to open up the scoring
The Trevians look to add on to the lead. Gavin Randle fires a shot, but Cam Nevins comes up with 1 of his 12 saves. 2-0 New Trier at the end of 1.
Second Quarter
A 3rd New Trier goal forces coach Josh Maluta to call a time out and he lights a fire under the boys. Ben Schink scoops up a ground ball, then centers a pass for Dan Curtis and he gets the Wildcats on the board as they trail 3-1 midway through the 2nd
A few minutes later New Trier gets that goal back. Tyler Baird bounces around the defense and scores on the run to give the blue and green a 2 goal lead
Late in the 2nd quarter and the Wildcats have gotten up to speed with the Trevians pace of play. Caiden Perry takes a play right out of the New Trier playbook using his speed and strength to fight through the defense and then finishes it off with a top shelf snipe. Neuqua trails 4-2 at halftime.
Third Quarter
New Trier up 5-2 mid way through the 3rd. Brian Sitzer hits Henry Freedman right in front of the goal for his 2nd goal of the game.
Wildcats need to stop the bleeding quickly to get back in the game. They pass the ball around the horn and then Caiden Perry bounces the shot in from 15 yards out and it’s a 6-3 game
But the Trevians get that goal back. Johnny Hackett makes an incredible move to fake out a man and blow past the defense, then finding the back of the net
Final minute of the quarter. Mark Trelo with the ball. He goes by a defender and smokes the rock into the back of the net. 7-4 Trevians heading to the 4th
Fourth Quarter
The Wildcats work quickly in the 4th. Ben Foy draws the attention of the defense. He turns and hits Adam Arimborgo. He splits a pair of defenders and bounces the shot past Brian Dolby to cut the deficit to 2
Despite facing arguably the top team in the state, the Wildcats keep battling. Caiden Perry using the same sweep, this time going the other direction and he scores his 3rd of the game. All of a sudden it’s a 1 goal game with 4:39 left in the game
But New Trier gets the ball back and they are able to hold off Neuqua. Henry Scherb whips the shot past Nevins and they escape with a 8-6 win to move on the State Championship. Neuqua Valley will play Glenbard West for 3rd place.
Check out Neuqua’s monumental season in our Boys Sports Highlights!
