Batavia continues to kick SBC-N soccer foes

The Batavia varsity boys soccer squad continues to maintain its stranglehold on the Southern Buckeye Conference National (small school) Division.

The Bulldogs wrapped up their most recent campaign with an overall record of 12-2-3 and the Green and White was 9-0-2 in the conference clashes.

The remainder of the league records of the National Division were Blanchester 8-1-2, Georgetown 4-7-0, and Felicity 2-9-0. Williamsburg and East Clinton did not participate.

"We played well as a team. It was a good season for us, but we're disappointed in our tournament play," said Bulldog head mentor Bob Walker. "I am really happy with them."

The Batavia offensive showing was spearheaded by coach Walker's twin sons, Will and Matt, who are juniors. The former netted 19 goals and made nine assists and the latter put 16 shots into the adversaries' nets and helped his teammates with 14 assists.

On the defensive side of the ledger, junior goalkeeper Nolan O'Brien registered eight shut outs. He was aided with his defensive efforts by sophomore center fullback McClain Shepard, junior left fullback Tyler Osborne, Will Walker, and sophomore defensive marking back Luke Bradburn.

His coach praised the latter for "helping us tie McNicholas who was ranked in the state at the time."

The Green and White will have good talent returning to the fold next year, but the coach said, "We're really going to miss our seniors. We grew a lot and developed a lot as a team with talented underclassmen."

The two senior leaders on Batavia roster were midfielder Jacob Nelson and striker Joshua Steinmetz. In addition to the 12th grade twosome, there were 10 juniors, eight sophomores, and seven freshmen.