Eagles Fall at Semi-State

The Eagles lost 5-1 to 16th ranked Lawrenceburg to end their season. Lawrenceburg jumped on the Eagles early by scoring two goals in the first ten minutes of the game. Heritage continued to play hard but were not able to find the back of the net. The Eagles had a few great goal scoring opportunities but the shots went just wide. The score was 3-0 at half time. Lawrenceburg scored early in the second half making the game 4-0. Anders Rotto finally found the back of the net making it 4-1. As Heritage was pushing numbers into the attack, Lawrenceburg was able to sneak home another goal. The Eagles ended the season 10-8-2.

I was pleased with how we played. The early goal deficit did not happen because we were flat. We got beat by speed. We struggled against teams this year that had big, strong, and fast forwards. Lawrencburg had a forward that fit that mold. Buddenburg was the difference in the game. We also hurt ourselves by not being able to finish. We had some quality looks at the goal in the first half but pushed the ball wide on multiple occasions. Lawrenceburg capitalized on their chances and we did not. We were able to have good possession during the game so the score is not indicative of how the game actually played out.

This was a great learning experience for the guys. With such a strong returning class, hopefully we can return to Semi-State and advance to the championship game next year.

Coach Nelson

Anders Collects All-District Second Team Honors

Junior Anders Rotto has been voted to the All-District Second Team by area coaches. Anders is one of the team captains, and he has worked tirelessly all season long to control Heritage's midfield. He has nine goals and nine assists on the season.

District 4 is arguably the top district in the state. District 4 is loaded with large school teams like Carmel, Avon, North Central, Zionsville, Westfield, and Pike. District 4 is also represented with strong small schools like Chatard, Covenant Christian, Heritage Christian, Cardinal Ritter, Greencastle, and Lutheran.


This is a huge honor for Anders and our school. Anders is the first player that I have coached at Heritage that has been able to make one of the two district teams. This is also a team award. While Anders has done well individually this year, our state title run gave me leverage to use as I spoke on Anders' behalf.

Well done Anders!

Coach Nelson

All-State Academic Team

Heritage Christian is heavily represented with eight players on the All-State Academic Team. The Academic Team consists of juniors with a 3.7 GPA or higher and seniors that have a 3.6 GPA or higher. The following Heritage Christian players made the team:

Seniors

Blake Ber
Ye Jong Yoo

Juniors

Ryan Dietrich
Sam Hall
Nathan Harry
Jake Huff
Paul Jacobson
Anders Rotto

I am so proud of these boys. This recognition is a testament to their work ethic. Being a student athlete is a tall order to manage. What makes this award even more special is that these boys are also involved in the fine arts, student government, and youth group.

Well done boys!

Coach Nelson

Regional Champions!

The Eagles topped Centerville High School 5-1 to claim their first ever IHSAA Regional Championship. Playing in strong winds, the team was able to control the game for most of the 80 minutes. Graham Allgood got the Eagles on the board a minute into the game on a breakaway goal. Willie followed with a goal of his own about twenty minutes later. Centerville was able to capitalize on a Heritage mistake and found the back of the net. The game was 2-1 at the half.

Heritage came out strong in the second half. A beautiful left footed strike by Luke Peduto gave the team a two goal advantage. Goals by Anders Rotto and Sam Hall put the game out of reach. With the win, the Eagles improved their record to 10-7-2. The Eagles will face 16th ranked Lawrenceburg in the first Semi-State game.


I was very pleased with how the boys came out to play. The early goal was huge for us. The strong wind made it difficult for us to play possession soccer. It would have been nice to have finished more of our opportunities in the first half, but I was glad we had the lead at the half. Our play in the second half was outstanding. Our shots finally found the back of the net. Sam and Anders did an excellent job of controlling the midfield. The boys are ready for Semi-State!

Go Eagles!

Coach Nelson

Heritage Knocks Off Batesville in Regional Play

The Heritage Christian Eagles advanced to the regional championship game with a 2-1 OT win against Batesville High School. The pace of the game was fast. Both teams had opportunities to score in the first half, but both defenses held strong. The Eagles came out strong in the second half and were able to find some holes in Batesville's defense. Strong play from Willie Nguyen got the offense clicking for Heritage. With ten minutes to go, Willie beat Batesville'z goalie far post with a beautiful shot. Batesville responded with great passion and desire and found the back of the net with two minutes to go in the game.

In the first overtime, Kevin Yang was able to score from about 25 yards out to give Heritage the lead. Batesville brought waves of attacks but the Eagles were able to hold their ground the second time around to secure the win.

With the win, Heritage will play at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 15th for the regional championship. The Eagles will play host Centerville. The Eagles's current record is 9-7-2.

What a game! Batesville was one of the better teams we have faced this year. They were well coached and very skilled. I am so proud of how our boys played. The way the team rebounded after giving up the goal late in the game was huge. It is a testament to the desire and will of the boys.

Go Eagles!

Coach Nelson

2011 Sectional Champions!

The Eagles beat Lutheran High School 2-1 in overtime Saturday evening to win the first boys soccer sectional title in school history! Both teams came ready to play and the game was tied 0-0 at halftime. The Eagles came out strong to start the second half and Graham Allgood broke deadlock with a goal five minutes into the second half. Graham was able to get behind Lutheran's back line and slipped the ball by Lutheran's goalie. Lutheran tied the game with a penalty shot with 13 minutes to go in the game. During the first overtime period, Sam Hall lifted Heritage to a 2-1 lead with a left footed shot. The Eagles were able to hold on and kept Lutheran from scoring to close out the final overtime period. With the win, Heritage improves to 8-7-2. The Eagles will play Batesville on Thursday night in Regional play.


I was so proud of how the boys played in this game. I have never seen them so focused before a game. Our goal scorers came through and the back line was as strong as ever. Anders and Sam controlled the midfield. Jon was solid in goal. The boys followed the game plan perfectly and came away with a well deserved win.

Go Eagles!

Coach Nelson

Heritage Advances to Sectional Finals

The Eagles beat Scecina 2-0 on Wednesday to advance to the sectional finals. The boys started strong and put Scecina on its heels early. Anders Rotto broke the game open with a left footed shot that beat Scecina's goalie. Luke Peduto assisted on his goal. Anders and Luke connected again for a goal/assist combo but the roles were reversed. Anders sent a cross to the far post, and Luke went up high and banged home the goal with his head. The defense played strong and Jon Harman recorded the shutout in goal. The win gives the Eagles a 7-7-2 record. The team will play Lutheran on Saturday.

I am so proud of the boys. This is the first sectional win in a long time for the program. I am looking forward to seeing how the boys come out and play in the finals.I am confident that we will come out strong.

Go Eagles!

Coach Nelson

Rebuilding the Wall

The soccer team volunteered with Rebuilding the Wall for six hours this past Saturday. The boys were broken up into two groups. One group painted Rebuilding the Wall's office building. The other group cleaned a home in preparation for a young couple's move in date. All of the boys worked hard and they represented Heritage well. I was very proud of the boys!

Coach Nelson