Boys' soccer is untouchable

OCTOBER 4, BLAZER STADIUM—
The boys' soccer team once again proved it is among the area's elite, defeating Bethesda- Chevy Chase High School (B-CC) 2-0. The Blazers capitalized on their rare goal-scoring opportunities to keep their undefeated record intact at 6-0-0.

Midway through the first half, junior midfielder Alieu Terry set up a beautiful cross, which senior midfielder Samson Geeplah gracefully headed in for a goal to put Blair up 1-0. Terry also aided the next Blazer goal midway through the second half. He dribbled the ball 40 yards downfield, all the while evading defenders, and took a shot that deflected off the goalie. The ball rolled into the path of junior midfielder Akil Williams, who easily scored to put the Blazers ahead for good.

B-CC could only muster a weak offensive attack, coming close at times but never fully penetrating the defense. The frustrated Barons committed numerous fouls in their offensive attempts, prompting the large home crowd to react with boos.

Despite a shaky start to the season, in which the boys failed to play up to their potential, cutting it close in games against Paint Branch and Wheaton high schools, the Blazers have improved and now can boast an explosive, speedy offense and a deep, focused defense.

The Washington Post recently noted their excellence, ranking the team seventh in the metro area. The Post dubbed the Blazer squad a "sleeping giant," after the Blazers defeated then third ranked superpower Walter Johnson High School in a dramatic overtime 2-1 upset.

Terry made the game-winning goal that secured Blair's incredible defeat of the defending Division 3A champion.

A few minutes into overtime, Terry dribbled the ball right by hapless defenders and put it forcefully into the right hand corner of the goal. The stands erupted in cheers; many fans rushed the field.
"This was probably our biggest game in two years," Terry said.

Assistant coach Rick Moats praised the Blazers for their momentous success. "We have a lot of team-coordinated play. We sub players a lot more than other teams. Usually, they leave their starters in for most of the game. On our team, everyone is capable of starting. Everyone has their own unique talents," Moats said.

Blair's depth has proven to be a great asset, even though it was a monumental question mark at the onset of the season. First-year varsity juniors including defender Chris Biggs, midfielders Williams and Alex Piazza and forward Matt Poness have been effective in the last few games. Biggs and Williams in particular made tremendous strides in the B-CC game.

The defensive unit is bolstered by reigning MVP senior Zack Palmer, who was untouchable in the B-CC game. His flawless play handcuffed the B-CC forwards, who could not make their way around him. Palmer's deft passes and astute play has been a hallmark of this year's squad.

Two days before the game, the Blazers scouted B-CC when it matched up against Rockville High School. Palmer feels the defense was better prepared for the Baron offense because of this trip. "They have a couple of guys who are fast on the dribble. I told the other defenders to stay about three feet behind them and to go strong to the ball," Palmer said, noting Blair's strategy against the Barons.

Senior goalkeeper Eliot Stein has consistently made clutch saves throughout the season. The rest of the defense, most notably senior defender and midfielder William Zepeda, has stepped up to the challenge and succeeded.

Additional reporting by Lincoln Fischer