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Wharton Edges Out Jesuit

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By BILL WARD, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 16, 2008

FORT LAUDERDALE - When Wharton captured the Class 5A-District 8 soccer title two weeks ago, the Wildcats did it as the tournament's No. 4 seed. And when they knocked off defending 5A state champion Auburndale in last week's region final, they were considered "upset" winners.

But what about the Wildcats' 1-0 victory Friday over nationally ranked Jesuit in the state semifinals? After that result, will Wharton still be considered an underdog when it takes on Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas in today's 5A championship match?

"Probably," Wharton coach Scott Ware said with a laugh. "But we don't mind. We don't get the respect and we don't expect it. We'll just play the game and see what happens."

For nine consecutive matches, Wharton (17-5-2) has played the game well and emerged victorious. Sometimes, the Wildcats have dominated. Other times, they have squeaked by. Friday at Lockhart Stadium, they did the latter, but it was by no means a fluke victory.

Facing a talented Jesuit team that boasted 27 wins this season, assorted tournament titles, the No. 5 spot in a national coaches poll and six state crowns to the program's credit, Wharton didn't back down.

The Wildcats were also facing a group of Jesuit seniors fiercely determined to erase the memories of back-to-back losses at the last two state semifinals.

True, Wharton had the jitters in the opening minutes. This was, after all, a school that had never advanced out of regional play until this season. And the field here at Lockhart Stadium - at least 20 yards wider than the one at Wharton - was an altogether different playing surface for the Wildcats.

But after settling down and adjusting to their surroundings, the Wildcats went back to doing what they do best: playing physical, playing on par with their opponent and taking advantage of their opportunities.

Jesuit arguably had the better first half and created more scoring chances. There was the shot by midfielder Josh Menendez that sent Wharton goalkeeper Scott Montgomery diving to the near post to save. And there was the header by Jesuit defender Greg Sasser that sailed just inches over the bar.

Finally, after regaining some of the momentum in the second half, the Wildcats got the lone precious goal. Coming in the 69th minute, it wasn't exactly the most beautiful finish. In fact, the free kick junior defender Matt Noble bounced in past Jesuit goalie Max Renaldo was intended to be a pass to teammate Joey Layton. But when Renaldo got screened by several players and was only able to get a glove on it, Noble's pass suddenly transformed into a goal - and the only one of the match.

"I just knocked it real hard into the box in hopes one of my guys would put it in," Noble said. "I was so surprised. In fact, Joey, he just dummied it so the keeper thought he was going to kick it but it just kind of went right through."

Jesuit coach Bob Bauman, who has guided Jesuit to five of its six state titles, also was surprised by the play.

"The ball went all the way through our defense - I don't know if anyone ever touched it except the guy who played the ball," Bauman said. "It's tough to come here three years in a row and lose on a mental or defensive lapse but our boys had a great year and I'm very proud of them."

Reporter Bill Ward can be reached at (813) 259-7456 or wward @tampatrib.com.

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