Ridge scoring goals by committee

By Randy Sachs

Special to The Keller Citizen

Having lost a number of starters from last year’s boys soccer team, the Panthers are collectively making their experience work to their favor.

And although Fossil Ridge hasn’t had the kind of season they’d prefer, head coach James Moore noted his squad is hanging in most every game it’s played.

“The district has parity this year, more so than in the past,” Moore said.

He points to 1-goal losses to Carroll, Keller and Central as perfect examples.

“We’re still young, but we’re crafting our own identity,” Moore said. “The group has done a great job at maturing, even though our record isn’t where we want it to be, but we’re in every game we’ve played this year.”

The pleasant surprise of the young team can be found in the work ethic the Panthers have shown.

Moore said there’s no quit in his team, which includes three sophomores and a few freshmen complementing the juniors on the starting lineup.

“We’ve done a lot of maturing, but we’ve still had to score goals by committee,” Moore said. “We’re waiting for someone to break out or look for that spark plug to step up.”

Most often, Fossil Ridge sees sophomore Patrick Nuss leading the way for the Panthers’ offense. Nuss is getting contributions from teammates Cody Seidel and Matthew Wallak, too.

One of the few seniors, Salvador Padilla is referred to as the quiet workhorse and leader by his coach.

Fossil Ridge, following a 2-0 loss to Richland on Saturday, entered the week at 4-9-4 overall and 1-5-2 in district play.

With such close play in the district thus far, the Panthers know that a goal here and there can turn the season around and paint a different picture for any hopes to play in the postseason.

“It’s not hard to get up for any game, and every game we’re ready to go,” Moore said. “There’s no quit in them. We take no one lightly and no one takes you lightly.

“We’re still in the hunt in the second half and we can set a good stage for ourselves,” Moore added.

With Northwest on the schedule Tuesday, Fossil Ridge will take on district rival Keller on Friday.

If the parity starts to swing in the Panthers’ favor the next few games, they can begin to looking to their committee to continue to keep them in contention for the fourth playoff spot in District 4-5A.

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