mhs versus bassett (mville bulletin)

[mhsalum 31]

Bulldogs, Bengals collide tonight

 

The results of Martinsville's boys soccer match against Bassett tonight should finalize this year's Piedmont District standings.

 

The first-place Bulldogs (7-1-1 PD) host the third place Bengals (5-2-2) at Dan Greene Memorial Stadium. With a win, Martinsville would secure the PD regular season championship -- a feat they've never failed to accomplish in more than 15 years of play -- while also earning an automatic berth in the Region IV tournament.

 

With a loss, however, the Bulldogs could fall to the number two spot behind Magna Vista. Such a series of events would require the Martinsville to win the PD tournament in order to avoid missing regionals for the first time ever.

 

Bassett, meanwhile, can do no better than third. Bengals coach Joe Favero wasn't worried about his team, however. With an all-time winning percentage of zero against the Bulldogs, Bassett's seniors have plenty of motivation.

 

"They're excited," he said of his Bengals. "Some of the seniors know this could be the last time they play them. They're hungry; they want to win. They've never beaten Martinsville."

 

Martinsville coach Pete Scouras said he's taking the Bassett game very seriously, and his players will be, too.

 

"Thye're very explosive offensively," Scouras said. "You've just got to be on top of your game for 80 minutes; you can't play 72 or 78 -- you've got to play 80. That's what were gonna try to do tomorrow night, but you've got to expect that Bassett's going to score with their (offensive) punch."

 

That scoring punch could be strengthened if star forward Cody Franklin returns to the lineup. Franklin, who suffered a concussion in a game earlier this season against Magna Vista, is scheduled to see a doctor today. That doctor will then decide if it's safe for Franklin to return to the field.

 

"Well, he had seven goals in games before the injury," Favero said. "If he can play he'll get in there. He's definitely one of our better players, and it's not been fun for him sitting."

 

The soccer game is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. tonight. The opening round of the PD soccer tournament will occur on Monday at 5:30 p.m.at Martinsville High School.