WICHITA, Kan.—
Bishop Carroll went up against Wichita Heights on a brisk fall Tuesday night, in what was supposed to be an easily predictable match up. Heights, however, wasn't going down without a fight.Bishop got off to a quick start capitalizing on some lacking defense by the Falcons. Taylor White scored the Golden Eagles first goal with 37 minutes left in the first half, shooting it from about 30 feet out, showing no fear. Mike Skaggs, Head Coach of Bishop Carroll, believed, “it set a good tone” for the rest of the game.
Taylor White replaced Cesar Ramierz who broke his leg playing against Wichita South, where the Eagles left disappointed in a tie. Coach Skaggs said “We actually practice that shot every day.” when discussing the early Eagle’s score.
After the first goal the game really settled down into a wrestling match. Both teams we’re able to get physical with one another, as the referees allowed the physicality to continue.
Back and forth each team went with Heights showing some obvious desperation. However, they let their nerves get in their head anytime they approached their opponents goal, unable to show the same fluidity in their offense when they ran out of field to play with.
Heights played tough defense on Carroll making up for their lack of offensive prowess, frustrating the Golden Eagles throughout the first half. At the half Carroll maintained its 1-0 advantage.
Beginning in the second half there was a clear difference in Bishop Carroll’s play. Far more disciplined on defense and passing the ball more on offense opened up their game and broke down the stout Heights defense.
In his pep-talk at halftime Skaggs discussed the need to keep the ball in their possession by passing and using teammates to keep Heights chasing the ball, because their best defense is their offense.
Clearly the message was heard loud and clear. There was an obvious surge in Carroll’s defensive activity and time of possession changed to their favor by holding the ball for the majority of the second half.
Near the end of the game Kole Lopez kicked a dagger straight through any chance Heights had of a comeback with just 2 minutes left on the second half clock. With Carroll leading 2-0 the game was over.
Execution of Coach Skaggs halftime adjustments held the key to victory for Carroll. With the first half being a little shaky and evenly matched, the second half clearly favored Carroll in what looked like a boxing match. The Eagles earned this victory, and the Falcons go back to the drawing board.
