Stingy Spartans await state challenge

It may come to pass some time in the next couple of weeks that some rival state class `S' soccer team might dispense with the Shepaug Valley High boys' side.

Yet it's fairly safe to say, if that were to occur, the opponent's victory wouldn't come easily.

Coach Jim Stinson's Spartans recently completed an admirable 11-3-2 regular season.

Only Lewis Mills, 13-2 with one match to play, had a better ledger than the Region 12 booters in the 10-team Berkshire League.

At press time, neighboring Housatonic Valley Regional (10-3-1) and Shepaug were engaged in a battle for second place.

Of note, the Region 12 kick crew handed Mills one of its two defeats, 2-0, back on Oct. 9.

That shutout was one of 10 spun by Spartan goalkeeper Kelen Rikhoff and his adroit defensive mates.

In fact, Shepaug permitted just 11 goals in 16 matches all autumn.

In the meantime, coach Stinson's attack mustered 33 goals, highlighted by respective 6-1 and 6-0 victories over Gilbert (see photos).

When the Spartans head into the state class `S' tournament, they'll enjoy homefield advantage for the first round to help build momentum in their title quest.

Playdown matches are expected to begin Monday, Nov. 5.

-- Norm Cummings

Photography by Norm Cummings