Rolla visits the Waynesville Tigers tonight, in a game with dual significance for the Bulldogs. Tied with Glendale atop the Ozark Conference standings currently, the Bulldog’s have memories of their three year run (2004-2006) atop the standings.
Just as important, with their move to Class 2 this year, their primary challenger for the District 10 title is Helias.
Waynesville is a common foe the two teams, with the Tigers defeating Helias 1-0 in the opening game of the season. Since then Helias has lost 0-1 to #1 St Dominic while beating a strong Visitation Academy team 2-1 enroute to a 6-3 record. The two teams will play May 7th but that’s likely to come after District seeding.
Both Waynesville (on Friday) and Rolla (on Saturday) played Hazelwood Central this past weekend in what was supposed to be a pair of games for each. Their games with Hazelwood West were canceled due to the EF2 tornado that started on the athletic fields behind Hazelwood West before moving along Howdershell Road, damaging 50 plus structures.
They did play Central however. Waynesville won 2-1 while Rolla won 3-0 but having covered both matches I can attest to the tired legs the Central Hawks had in the second match Saturday.
Both squads have the tools necessary to succeed this season – experienced goalkeepers, strong central defense, good midfields that moved the ball well. You have to score goals to win and that may be the difference in the game tonight. Rolla is led by junior Nicole Howard while sophomore Camia Blash is primarily responsible for creating for the Tigers. Both are blessed with speed allowing them to run past defenders, but Howard is a more refined scorer at this point. Should be a good game tonight!
PHOTO GALLERY – Waynesville Tigers at Hazelwood Central
We should see a Class 3 Poll this week from the Coaches. After their results in the Kickapoo Shootout last weekend, here’s my new ranking – 1) Nixa 2) Glendale 3) Waynesville.
Conference Schedule this Week
4/16 Kickapoo at Joplin
4/16 West Plains at Camdenton
4/16 Rolla at Waynesville
4/18 Joplin at Hillcrest
4/18 Rolla at Camdenton
Games to add to your calendar include Glendale hosting Rolla April 30th and Glendale’s visit to Waynesville on May 6th. You can check out my Ozark Conference Preview for more information on all of the teams.
SGFsoccer.com – THE PLACE for informed commentary on the beautiful game in the Ozarks!
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