Park View Education Centre's junior varsity soccer team made school history when it won the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation title at home on October 31.

 "This junior varsity provincial championship is the first ever for Park View boys' soccer, at any level," said Jamie Whitty, who coached the team with Chriss Herman.

 "It demonstrates the state of soccer in the South Shore - very strong."

 After going unbeaten in league play and outscoring opponents 56-5, the Panthers advanced to the provincial championship game with a 4-0 semifinal victory over Horton on goals by Brennan Bailey, Tyler Killam, Isaac Longard and Matt Statton.

 Park View defeated Dr. JH Gillis 4-2 in the final after falling behind 1-0 less than two minutes into the game.

 "This woke our team up and within 10 minutes we had tied the game and then took the lead back. Although we controlled the majority of the game in the second half, we only had a one-goal lead, but with seven minutes remaining in the game, we scored and secured a two-goal lead."

 Matt Statton scored twice in the victory, while Owen McIntosh and Peter Ryan added singles.

 "Nick Lawrence, who was only named our starting goalie one week leading into provincials due to a season-ending injury for our starting goalie, led the effort in nets. He did an amazing job for a guy with limited time and experience in goal."

 Mr. Whitty said the team was deep with speed and skill and its players truly bought into the system and the commitment required to compete for the provincial title.

 "Thanks to the development of soccer in the South Shore, including the construction of the indoor soccer facility … and the creation of the Tier 1 [South Shore United Football Club] led by John Charman, soccer is definitely on the rise in our region and we are producing some of the best players in the province."

 Meanwhile, Park View's A team lost 2-1 to eventual champion Halifax West in the provincial Division 1 semifinals on November 7.

advertisement

 The junior varsity program consists of Grade 10 and Grade 11 students from Division 1 schools.

 "It's a very strong developmental model for high school sports."

posted on 11/17/09