Hornell Advances to Class B Semifinals
From Hornell High School Athletics, photo gallery by JC’s Photography,
Hornell – 4, Haverling – 1
The Hornell Red Raiders advance to the Section V Class B Semifinals with a 4-1 win over the Haverling Rams at home Saturday night.
After a stellar game against Waterloo earlier in the week where he scored 5 goals, Jack Emo kept up the pressure and pace against the Rams tallying 3 goals on the night. Emo leads all of Section V with 35 goals on the season.
With 28 minutes left in the first half, sophomore Wyatt Evingham had a breakaway run toward the goal from the 50 yard line. Evingham sent a perfect cross to Emo for the first goal of the night. Just three minutes later, a Picco to Picco transaction took place when PJ Picco crossed a ball to brother Marco to put the Raiders up 2-0. A direct kick by Emo from the 12 yard line hit the back of the net and gave the Raiders a 3-0 lead going into the half.
Haverling came out strong in the second half and scored their lone goal of the night of a corner kick with 28 minutes remaining in the game. Emo responded with a rocket launched from the 20 yard line for his third goal on the night and his 8th goal in sectional play. Hornell’s goals were assisted by PJ Picco, Alfie Whiteley, and Wyatt Evingham.
Hornell coach, Jim Tobin, was pleased with his team’s performance and drive. “Our midfielders played so well tonight. Marco, PJ, Eric Ross, Nick Gray, and Kellen Crowe were able to get the ball to Emo, Evingham, and Whiteley all night. Our defense was solid in front of our keeper, Davin Oyer.”
The #3 seeded Red Raiders will play the #2 seeded Livonia Bulldogs for their third matchup of the season. The Bulldogs beat the Raiders 1-0 early in the season, and the teams tied 1-1 in Hornell just over a week ago. The teams will battle for a spot in the sectional championship on Wednesday night at Geneseo High School at 7pm.
