McDonell heads to state in'08
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By The Chippewa Herald
Sunday, November 2, 2008 12:13 AM CDT
STEVENS POINT — McDonell/Regis needed another come-from-behind effort and it got it in a 2-1 WIAA Division 3 sectional final victory against Land O’Lakes Conserve.
The victory puts the Macks into the state tournament for the second straight year. McDonell/Regis faces University School of Milwaukee.
The trip this season is vastly different than last year, Macks coach Tim Jenneman said.
“I think now, with the experience we have, we’re in good shape,” he said. “Yes, we did lose seven seniors (from last year’s team). They had that first-time feeling before. Now, they’re more confident and it shows. They don’t put their head down.”
The Macks (24-1-2) allowed a goal around midway through the first half to the Steelers on a header, forcing McDonell/Regis to come back. The Macks had to overcome a 2-0 deficit to Omro in the sectional semifinals.
Then came Will Schifeling.
“Will danced around a few people and had a beautiful shot from the 18-yard mark that hit corner of the net,” Jenneman said.
The two teams remained tied through halftime and nearly until the end of regulation.
Grant Mickesh made sure that the game didn’t need the extra time. With 1 minute, 34 seconds to play in the game, Mickesh booted home a pass from Schifeling for the game-winner.
Mickesh and Schifeling worked a give-and-go of sorts. Mickesh passed to his teammate and headed toward the net. Schifeling put a nifty move on a Steelers defender and got the ball to Mickesh for the goal.
“Will, he’s phenomenal,” Jenneman said. “What’s nice is that seniors stepped it up. In the last game, it was Cory Arneson, and this time it was Grant who finished it. That was kind of nice.”
The goal was a culmination of some strong play from both teams. The Macks had a furious attack on the Steelers net to start the half.
Conserve also put some pressure on McDonell/Regis’ Chris Eckes. Eckes came through and held the Steelers off the scoreboard.
The Macks will play at noon Friday at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee against University School of Milwaukee. Jenneman expects the Wildcats to be very tough.
“All I know is they were the No. 1 seed with (Racine) St. Caterine’s,” he said. “We draw a tough one with the Milwaukee-area schools. As far as their ratings, they’re in the top five or honor mention nearly every year. It’s going to be a tough game.”
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