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Season Report -- February 16, 2001
2000-2001 Season Fighting the Good Fight Back to Back Div. III, Dist. 2 Champs
The 2000-2001 soccer season ended on a somewhat sad and premature note at the
Bi-District Playoff game versus St. Fredericks of Monroe. The Warriors had high
hopes of making it past Regionals this year, but it just wasn’t meant to be.
Even though their success in the playoffs did not materialize, the season can
only be viewed as a tremendous success. The Warriors defended their District
Championship going 4-0. They completely dominated their district foes--Avoyelles
and Buckeye allowing only 2 goals in the 4 district games and outscoring their
opponents 33-2. The Warriors finished with an overall record of 9-8-1 and 7-2-1
against Division III opponents. For the first time in school history they
defeated Tioga, Menard, and tied Bolton at the end of regulation time. They
competed in the Bossier High School Tournament and did very well against the
likes of Captain Shreve, Neville, and Northwood-teams which played in Division I
and II playoffs. The Warriors scored a season high 62 goals which far exceeded
their output of 1999-2000 (48 goals) and 1998-1999 (18 goals). The Junior
Varsity Team also had an outstanding season finishing 1-4-2 and finishing their
season by defeating Menard JV 1-0. These feats were accomplished even though
they had to suffer through the coldest and wettest winter weather of almost a
decade and endure some tough injuries to some key players. All of these
experiences can only prepare them for an even more successful season next year.
We feel that we are just on the verge of a state championship caliber team and
we are trusting God for the results. A special salute goes out to our graduating
seniors Craig Harwell and Jeff Bertrand who provided the team with exemplary
leadership as team captains. They will be sorely missed, and we wish them the
best in their college pursuits.
St. Fredericks Knocks Grace Christian Out of Play-Off Action
Grace Christian Warriors hosted St. Fredericks Catholic School (2A) of Monroe on
Friday, February 9th, at O’Hearn Mathews Field. Grace by virtue of their first
place finish in District 2 hosted the highly touted Warriors (third place
finishers of District 1 but ranked 12th in Division III in the latest statewide
polls.)
The weather had threatened the entire day to dampen the evening contest and
spoil the surface of the field. But, besides being a little windy and cold, the
field was in remarkably good condition for the match. St. Fredericks (11-11-1
overall) jumped out to what proved to be the game winning goal at about the 15
minute mark when the Captain Charles Anzelmo broke through the defense from the
left side of the goalie box and placed the ball in the right side of the net
just outside the reach of goalie Josh Speyrer.
St. Fred’s then added to the lead at the 30 minute mark with a blazing blast
from a free kick just outside the penalty box. Grace battled very valiantly for
the remainder of the 1st half but the score ended 2-0 with St. Freds on top.
In the 2nd half the GCS defense held strong and St. Fred’s could not muster any
serious threats to the goal. But, they did score on two fluky corner kicks.
Grace had several significant shots at the goal in the second half but couldn’t
find the net. St. Fred’s prevailed 4-0. They move on to face Westminister of
Opelousas who defeated Ouachita Christian 2-0.
Menard Eagles Avenge Earlier Loss
In their final regular season game Grace Christian took on District 3 Champ
Menard at O’Hearn Mathews on Monday, January 29th. Grace had earlier defeated
Menard on January 4th 3-2 at their home field, so they came in hungry for
revenge.
The field was in horrible condition after torrential rains that morning left
water standing over much of the field. Grace committed a horrible mental mistake
after the first four minutes of the game when Colby was called for a flagrant
hand ball in the goalie box and was ejected with a red card. Grace therefore had
to play the match short handed for the rest of the game. They were also short
their starting goalie Josh Speyrer who was still in the hospital recovering from
his surgery.
Menard took advantage of the situation and pounded in 6 goals to best the
Warriors 6-0.
The one redeeming effort of the evening came in the JV match when Grace defeated
Menard JV 1-0 to claim their first victory of the season. Colby Knight redeemed
himself by scoring the lone goal in the second half. Dustin Bennett and Amy
Harwell had near misses for goals as well. Will Smith scored his first shut-out
at goalie for the team.
Grace Christian Stings Catholic High Point Coupee Hornets
Grace Christian Warriors defeated Catholic High Point Coupee in Division III
soccer action played Thursday night in New Roads. Grace prevailed 2-1 on goals
by Jared Speyrer and Jeff Bertrand to give the Warriors a 9-6-1 overall record
and 4-0 in district.
The first half was very evenly played and ended 0-0, but with Grace missing
several scoring opportunities. The Hornets went out in front on a goal in the
first 10 minutes of the second half on a beautiful floating shot from way out by
the sidelines. Will Smith who was playing goalie for the first time this season
as a substitute for starting goalie Josh Speyrer who was having an emergency
appendectomy at Rapides Regional made a valiant dive for the ball but could not
reach it.
Grace Christian then countered at the 25 minute point tie the score on a shot by
Jared Speyrer who nailed the shot from in front of the goal off an assist by
Jeff Bertrand. Jeff Bertrand scored the game winning goal with five minutes left
on a penalty kick when the hornets fouled Joel Bertrand in the goalie box.
Grace Christian Declaws the Panthers 12-0
Grace Christian wrapped up the Division III District 2 Championship with a
dominating win over Buckeye played at O’Hearn Mathews field on Tuesday, January
23rd. This game was a make-up game from the previous week which had to be
cancelled due to inclement weather.
Andrew Vincent led the Warriors with 3 goals. Jared Speyrer and Jeff Bertrand
each put in a pair of goals. Also scoring for the Warriors were Josh Speyrer,
Will Smith, Todd Whatley, Mike Wynne, and Loye Ayres. Josh Speyrer and Edward
Lambe shut out the Panthers at the goalie position.
Buckeye committed at least 15 fouls, numerous yellow cards, and even had two
players ejected with red cards for flagrant fouls.
Warriors Down the Panthers at Buckeye
The Warriors defeated Buckeye 5-0 in Division III District 2 action on Monday
January 22nd at Buckeye High School.
Jeff Bertrand scored the first goal for Grace with a penalty kick at about the
10 minute mark. Michael Johnson then scored on a free direct kick which
deflected off of tow Buckeye players before finding the back of the net. Jared
Speyrer wrapped up the scoring in the first half with a goal scored off of a
rebound from the goalie. Daniel Moore and Luke Moncla scored in the second half
to give Grace the five goal victory. Josh Speyrer collected his second straight
shut-out with three saves at goalie.
Warriors and Westgate of New Iberia Battle to Tie
In a rematch of last season’s bi-district playoff game, the Warriors traveled to
New Iberia to take on Westgate high School (Division III, District 4). Last year
the Warriors prevailed 3-2 to advance to the Regionals. This game played on
Saturday, January 20, 2001, was equally well played throughout but ended in a
scoreless tie 0-0. Grace had several scoring opportunities in both halves but
could not find the net. Warrior goalie Josh Speyrer recorded his first shut out
of the season with 5 saves. Craig Harwell suffered a severe ankle sprain in the
first few minutes of the game and will probably be out for several games.
Warriors Outrun the Mustangs
Grace Christian Warriors defeated Avoyelles High School in Division III District
2 soccer action played Thursday night, January 18th, in Moreauville. The game
was played in miserable and cold conditions in pouring down rain on a muddy
field. The Warriors won 9-1 to go up 2-0 in the district and 6-6 overall.
Avoyelles drops to 1-2 in the district.
The Mustangs went out in front on a goal in the first 10 minutes by Anthony
Terrell. Grace Christian then countered to tie the score on a shot by Jared
Speyrer who finished the game with 3 goals. Jeff Bertrand scored the game
winning goal at about the 30 minute point in the 1st half, the first of his four
goals. The first half ended with Grace on top 2-1.
Avoyelles came out on fire in the 2nd half but this was quickly doused as Grace
began their onslaught by scoring seven more unanswered goals. Andrew Vincent
added two goals, Jared scored two and Jeff had three. Warrior goalie Josh
Speyrer recorded 5 saves for the game. Mustang goalie Eric Broussard made 10
saves until he was red carded and ejected from the game with about 10 minutes
remaining in the contest.
Grace Christian Warriors Knock Out Pickering
Grace Christian Warriors met the Pickering Red Devils at O’Hearn Mathews on
Thursday, January 11th under very wet and cold conditions. The Warriors extended
their win streak to three games by defeating Pickering 6-1 which was identical
to the score that the posted against them in December in Pickering.
Grace went ahead early with a fast break goal by Andrew Vincent. Jared Speyrer
then put in a header off a beautiful cross by Jeff Bertrand. Jared added another
goal on an assist by Daniel Moore and Jeff put in a beautiful shot to put Grace
up 4-0 at half-time. Andrew added another goal in the second half followed by
Jeremy Owens to make the score 6-0. Pickering got on the scoreboard with about 5
minutes left on a high shot by Greg Guillory. Josh Speyrer recored 3 saves and
Josh Norwood had 1 save at goalie.
Warriors Tame Avoyelles Mustangs
The Warriors opened action in Division III District 2 on January 9th by hosting
Avoyelles High School at O’Hearn Mathews field. Although they played rather
sloppily as a team, they easily downed the Mustangs 7-1 to start at 1-0 in the
district on a positive note. Last season against Avoyelles we lost the first
game in a shoot out after being tied at the end of regulation and two overtime
periords.
The Warriors were paced by Andrew Vincent who scored 4 goals and Jared Speyrer
who added two goals. Jeff Bertrand also scored for the Warriors. Josh Speyrer
had 4 saves at goal.
Grace went ahead 2-0 at half-time with Andrew scoring both goals. The first goal
came off an assist from Jared when Andrew crashed the goal to put the Warriors
out ahead. He then added the winning goal by beating the goalie to the ball and
adding a soft touch score. In the second half at about the 10 minute mark Andrew
struck again to make the score 3-0 before Avoyelles netted their first and only
score by Anthony Terrell. The Warriors then netted three additional goals to
pull ahead and finish with the final score 7-1.
JV Team Plays Outstanding at Tioga JV Tournament
The Warrior JV Team participated in the Tioga JV Tournament at Slocum Fields in
Pineville on Saturday, January 13th. They played three exceptional games against
Menard, Tioga, and Pineville. Although their record ended at 0-2-1, they were
definitely in all three games and had the chance to win at least 2 of them.
Against Menard at 8:00 a.m., Grace went out 1-0 in the first half on a fast
break goal by Josh Speyrer. The score stayed that way until about the 15 minute
mark of the 2nd half when Mark Landreneau (leading scorer for the Menard Varsity
Team) broke free to the goal and made a beautiful shot past Josh Norwood who was
starting his first game as goalie. Mark added another goal a few minutes later
off a rebound shot to put Menard on top 2-1.
In the game against Tioga at 11:00 a.m., both teams slugged it out with
exceptional play at defense. No team was able to put the ball in the net and the
game ended 0-0 with Josh Norwood getting his first shut-out ever.
In the final game against Pineville at 2:00 p.m. our offense kind of ran out of
gas, and we had to move into the defensive mode. The game remained scoreless
until about 15 minutes left in the second half. Pineville scored two goals to go
out victorious 2-0. Grace had a valiant effort with a few minutes left on a pass
by Josh Speyrer and beautiful shot by Mike Wynne, but the Pineville goalie made
a beautiful save to deny the Warriors.
Grace Christian Upsets Menard Eagles
The Warriors played one of their finest games in school history in upsetting the
Menard Eagles on their home field on Thursday, January 4, 2001. They came into
the game 0-5 versus Menard over the last three years and actually only scoring
one goal in those contests. Colby Knight scored that lone goal on a long shot
from midfield in the 1998-99 season. Last year GCS lost 8-0 to Menard at O’Hearn
Mathews field when they had to play with over half of their starters out with
the flu. So this year Grace came in with a full contingent and an attitude bent
on changing the outcome.
The contest started with a strong defensive battle on both ends. Menard
fullbacks however were called for a foul inside the goalie box, so Grace was
awarded a penalty kick at about the five minute mark. Team co-captain Jeff
Betrand struck the ball into the left side of the net away from the goalie to
put Grace ahead early 1-0. This lead did not last long as Menard quickly went on
the aggressive. Mark Landreneau for the Eagles pulled the trigger from well
outside the top of the key to put the ball in the right side of the goal away
from goalie Josh Speyrer. Mark was left largely unmarked and free to rip the
shot.
The score remained tied 1-1 for the next 20 minutes as both teams played very
aggressively on both on offense and defense. Grace had several excellent fast
break attempts which went for naught, until at the 30 minute mark Jared Speyrer
broke free at the 18 yard line and ripped a goal to put Grace in the lead at
2-1. The half ended at that score. Andrew Vincent was carded with five minutes
left in the half for an offensive foul and was ejected for the remainder of the
game.
The second half started in much the same manner as the first but with Menard
taking the momentum back for the first ten minutes. They evened the score with a
shot from straight on the goal. Josh got a hand on the ball but was not able to
deflect it away from the goal mouth. Grace played kind of shell shocked from
losing the services of Andrew Vincent, but finally after the first ten minutes
they started getting the ball back on Menard’s side. The score remained tied 2-2
until about the 25 minute mark when Jared got free off an assist from Jeff
Bertrand and fired in another goal which proved to be the game winner. Menard
had several late attacks but Grace played excellent on defense and all were
repelled by fullbacks Loye Ayres, Colby Knight, and Mike Wynne and defensive
midfielders Craig Harwell, Daniel Moore, and Luke Moncla. Josh ended with about
an even dozen saves at goalie.
Grace Christian Warriors Pummeled by ASH and Frozen by the Weather
Grace Christian Warriors met the ASH Trojans at O’Hearn Mathews on Tuesday,
January 2nd under very frigid sub-freezing conditions. The wind chill factor put
the temperature well below 20 degrees so it was more like polar ball than
soccer. ASH struck quickly and decisively garnering 4 goals within the first 20
minutes. Jared finally put Grace on the board at the 25 minute mark with a nifty
rebound shot from a long free kick by Andrew from near mid field. The Trojans
added an insurance goal shortly before the half time to make the score 5-1.
In the second half, Grace made the score closer with Andrew adding two goals,
his first for the season. The first came off a quick short into the right corner
from the top of the goalie box. His second came from a free direct kick from
just outside the penalty box which sailed over ASH’s wall into the left side of
the goal. However, not to be outdone ASH struck back with two goals of their own
to make the final score 7-3.
Apart the first 12 minutes when ASH scored three quick goals Grace maintained
their poise and played pretty even with their opponents. We must play the full
80 minute game and start aggressively from the opening kick off.
In the Junior Varsity Game, Grace JV played another excellent game against the
ASH JV. The game was similar to the first game against Tioga JV and ended in a
2-0 loss. But we had several opportunities to score which we need to capitalize
on. Amy missed her first goal by just inches and Josh also had a couple of
opportunities. The defense played very soundly and I think the offense was just
a little run down as several of the JV team played the full Varsity game as
well.
Tioga and Warriors Tangle
Grace Warriors returned a visit against Tioga at Tioga High School on Thursday;
December 14th. The game was played in very cold conditions on a wet and slippery
field. Grace was minus the services of Andrew Vincent who had suffered a severe
ankle injury a few days earlier.
Tioga got two early goals against the Warriors. Then, Jared Speyrer scored on a
quick reverse kick from in front of the goal. The first half ended with the
score 2-1 for Tioga. In the second half, Tioga scored two additional goals
early. This put the Warriors in a 4-1 deficit. But, they did not give up and
battled back to tie the score with about three minutes left in the game. Jared
scored on a long kick that bounced over the keepers head and then again on a
slide kick at the goal post. Craig Harwell knotted up the score on a beautiful
curving corner kick which sailed into the goal before the keeper was able to
trap it.
The officiating then set off an embarrassing tirade from the Tioga coaching
staff which resulted in a poor call from the referee who awarded Tioga with a
free penalty kick right as time expired. Tioga ended up with a win 5-4 over the
Warriors.
In the Junior Varsity Game, Grace JV played a beautiful game which resulted in a
1-1 tie with the Indians. Joel Bertrand scored on a beautiful header midway
through the second half off a long assist from Josh Speyrer. Amy Harwell played
her first JV game for the Warrior JV which was greatly improved since their
first meeting with Tioga.
Warriors clobber Pickering Red Devils
On a very wet, cold and wintry night in Pickering, the Warriors got a very hard
fought victory over Division III opponent Pickering High School. Pickering
scored first in the first three minutes of the game on a break away goal by Paul
Guillory against Josh at goalie.
Grace countered with two quick goals by Joel and Jeff Bertrand to take the lead
for good at the ten minute mark. The first half ended with GCS on top 2-1.
In the second half the Warriors dominated the game scoring four more goals by
Daniel Moore, Jeremy Owens, and Luke Moncla. Jared Speyrer was also credited
with a goal when he served up a long cross which bounced off a Pickering
defender into the net.
Warriors upset Tioga Indians 3-1
The Warriors pulled off their first official victory against a Division II
opponent by upsetting the Tioga Indians 3-1 at O’Hearn field on December 7th.
Jared Speyrer scored first on a header off a beautiful cross from Andrew at
about the ten minute point. Tioga came back moments later on a break in the
goalie box by Michael Brevelle. Jared fired the game winning goal at the twenty
minute mark and then Jeremy Owens added an insurance goal at the 30 minute mark
off an assist from Jeff Bertrand. The score at half time ended 3-1. Grace
switched to a strong defensive mode in the 2nd half and held off all offensive
attacks from the Indians.
Later in the Junior Varsity Game the JV team played their first game together
and did an excellent job against the Indian JV team. Tioga scored two goals in
the first half and the score at the end of the game stayed the same at 2-0.
Warriors Gain Experience & Exposure at Bossier Bearkat Tournament
Thursday Night, November 30th, the Warriors played two games against upper
division teams: Northwood (4A school out of Blanchard) and perennial soccer
power Captain Shreve (5A).
In the first game Northwood eeked out a victory 2-0 against the Warriors. They
scored with a few minutes left in the first half on a penalty kick largely
caused by soggy field conditions and then on a shot from at the top of the
circle. Grace narrowly missed several goals by Jared Speyrer and Jeff Bertrand
in the second half due to outstanding play by the Northwood goalie.
In the second game versus Captain Shreve the Warriors scrapped to an amazing 1-0
defeat at the hands of this Division I opponent. Captain Shreve scored with
about 3 minutes left in the first half on a cross and shot. Warrior goalie Josh
Speyrer recorded 10 saves in the second half to shut out Captain Shreve in the
second half.
On Saturday, December 1st, the Warriors took on another 5A power, Neville from
Monroe. Neville had also lost to Captain Shreve 1-0 on Thursday, so the teams
appeared pretty evenly matched on paper. Grace, however, was missing several
starters due to the flu, so they lacked the fire power we had on Thursday. This
was evident as Neville found the weaknesses and pounded in 7 goals. Grace scored
in the first half off of an assist from Jared to Jeff but the play was ruled
off-sides and did not count. The wind and cold conditions seem to stifle any
other offensive attacks from the Warriors.
Josh Speyrer was voted to the All-Tournament Team for his play as goalie against
Captain Shreve.
Bolton Bears Nip Warriors 3-2 in Double Overtime
In the game against Bolton on Tuesday evening, November 28th, the Bears and
Warriors scrapped to a 2-2 tie at the end of regulation time. In fact the score
was knotted 2-2 at the end of the first half. Grace Christian scored on goals by
Jared Speyrer and a header by Jeff Bertrand. Bolton's goals were scored by John
Oray and Anthony Thorpe. A defensive battle ensued in the 2nd half with neither
team able to put the ball in the net. The first overtime period also ended
scoreless and with 30 seconds left in the second overtime period Kenny Ledet for
the Bears scored on a fast break. Bolton won 3-2 over the GCS Warriors. Goalies
Andrew Vincent and Josh Speyrer recorded 12 saves.
Pre-Season Excitement Builds for Boys Soccer Team
Grace Christian Warriors as defending Division III District 2 Champions will
begin their 2000-2001 soccer season against Bolton High School on Tuesday,
November 28th. The Warriors, 10-9-1 and 4-2 in District last year lost only one
senior Jacob Moncla (Full-back) and return 8 of 11 starters to a continually
improving team.
The team has set as their goal this year to defend their District title again,
and then to take a couple of giant steps and make it further into the play-offs
than they did last year. Being only one of two Class C schools in Louisiana that
fields a soccer team, the Warriors face some very tough competition from the AAA-AA-A
schools. Last year, GCS won their Bi-district game against Class 3A Westgate
from New Iberia and then lost to perennial 2A power Ouachita Christian of Monroe
in the Regionals. This year they are shooting to win the Regionals and then see
how far they can go. Should the Warriors defend their district title and win
Bi-District the State bracket pairing will send the Warriors back up to Monroe
to face Ouachita Christian again. Their destiny lies up Hwy 165North, but this
year they plan to go there much better prepared for battle. They begin the
season in pretty good physical shape as most of the starters participated on the
Cross Country team which recently won the Class C State Championship.
The Warriors return two all-Cenla first team players from last season: Jared
Speyrer, attacking midfielder who scored 18 goals and Colby Knight on defense.
Joining Jared on offense will be Junior Andrew Vincent (who scored 12 goals),
newcomers Jeff Bertrand (Senior and Team Co-Captain) and Joel Bertrand
(Freshman), Jeremy Owens (7th Grader) and Dustin Bennett (Sophomore). Assisting
Colby on defense at fullback and midfield will beJuniors Loye Ayres and Daniel
Moore,Senior and Co-Captain Craig Harwell, Sophomores Luke Moncla and Mike
Wynne, and Freshman Will Smith. At the critical Goalie position both Josh
Speyrer (Freshman) and Andrew Vincent will see action.
There are also several other younger players who will make significant
contributions to the overall team effort including David Walker, Todd Whatley,
Charles Ayres, Edward Lamb, Joey Falcone, and Amy Harwell.
In the Precious Name of Jesus,
Coach Gary and Coach Eddie
Final Season Statistics
Jared Speyrer Attacking Midfielder-Jr 21
Andrew Vincent Attacking Midfielder-Jr 13
Jeff Bertrand Attacking Midfielder-Sr 13
Jeremy Owens Striker-7th Grade 3
Craig Harwell Defensive Midfielder-Sr 1
Joel Bertrand Attacking Midfielder-Fr 1
Daniel Moore Defensive Midfielder-Jr 2
Luke Moncla Defensive Midfielder-So 2
Michael Johnson Defensive Midfielder-So 1
Michael Wynne Fullback-So 1
Loye Ayres Fullback-Jr 1
Todd Whatley Striker-7th Grade 1
Josh Speyrer Goalier & Midfielder-Fr 1
Will Smith Attacking Midfielder-Fr 1
Goalie Saves
Josh Speyrer 64
Andrew Vincent 9
Will Smith 2
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