Next Man Up … Central Clarion Boys Soccer Fights Through Injuries, Downs Brookville 2-0

(Photos courtesy of Mark Bettwy – Above: Quinn O’Neil)

(Mark Bettwy)

This Wildcats season continues to be plagued with injuries, causing key players to miss games. Quinn O’Neil, a Captain, missed several games this season with a reoccurring injury that kept him from the centerpiece position in the midfield.

Seniors Wyatt Watterson and Sampson Gao, both solid utility players who can play anywhere on the field, also joined the list of missed games. Wyatt Aaron filled the gap left by O’Neil while Gao replaced sophomore goalie Tyler Brown early in the season when he was unable to take the pitch for two games.

Senior Nathan Frederick, who scored against North Clarion but left the field shortly after, has been out for an extended period with an upper body injury.

Fortunately for Central Clarion, the defense remains healthy. Consistently anchored by Ky Clark, Chris Kim, Isaac Hogue and newcomers Chance Hetrick and Trey Hooks, it has been getting stronger as the season goes. Brown remains as solid as ever in goal and has positioned himself to be a force for years to come.

With a deep bench, other Wildcats are taking the opportunity to gain valuable experience. Matt Weaver, Mason Lewis, Lucas Klugh, Isaac Hogue, Cash Gilmore, Mason Nimelli, Kason Keihl, Laken Smith and Christopher Beverage are all supporting the team and paving the way for a solid squad in the next few years.

The Wildcats began another compact week of four games in five days on Saturday, returning home from Brookville with a 2-0 victory. Scoring opened six minutes into the second half on a crossing shot from Brendan Bettwy, tapped in nicely by a Brookville defender for an “own goal.” Quinn O’Neil intercepted a pass at midfield nine minutes later and fed it to Martin Ormeno who buried it in the back of the net.

Central Clarion hosts Elk County Catholic on Monday at 5:00 PM.

(Way to go, Wildcats!!!! Thanks to Mark Bettwy for this article and photos!!)