Sacred Heart’s Chappell, Rojas Shine in Barstow Opener

Newcomer Dallin Chappell joined the Gremlins with the expectation of competing for the starting Goalkeeper spot. After scoring three goals in the first two games, Chappell has shown the skills to contribute on the field as well. Two of those goals came last night against Northland Christian in the first round of the Barstow Tournament.

The Gremlin's established possession immediately avoiding the mistakes of their first game. With Senior Sam Bello controlling the mid-field, it only took three minutes for Dallin Chappell to receive a pass, beat two defenders off the dribble, and score in the bottom left corner. Less than 9 minutes later, Lucas Martin extended the lead with his second goal of the season.

Always a threat when he gets the ball, Francisco Rojas once again put on a dribbling showcase, routinely beating multiple defenders for scoring opportunities. At the 21st minute, Rojas converted his third goal of the season into the back of the net. The Gremlins finished off the first half with a precise string of passes that saw the ball go from Sam Bello, to Rojas, to Chappell for the fourth Gremlin goal.

The second half saw Jude Rolling go forward from his normal center back position to score his second goal of the season off an assist by Sam Bello. The Gremlins conceded a Northland Christian goal, but then quickly answered off an upper 90 shot by Nolan Walker. A defensive let-down allowed Northland Christian to score a goal in the last 50 seconds to end the game 6-2. Senior Goalkeeper Easton Webb once again made several huge saves and continues to make big strides in goal for the Grems.

The Gremlins face Class 2 Maryville on Thursday night in the second round. Maryville finished with a 14-4 record last year, beating Class 1 State Champions Bishop LeBlond.