Seahawks blank invading Raiders 8-0

Three goals in the first five minutes of Sussex Academy’s game against Woodbridge and a fourth in the 10th minute led to an 8-0 win for the Seahawks Sept. 11.

“Technically, this is a more important game than Sallies was because it's a divisional matchup – it's a conference matchup – and the seriousness at which we take the conference opponents are the stepping stones to what we want to accomplish this year,” said coach R.J. Dina. “It's important to these guys and they recognize that.”

Senior Liam Stegall opened scoring in the second minute before senior Chase Ballinger found classmate Ruendi Ortiz-Santos a minute later to double the lead. Senior Noah Benz finished off a pass from Ballinger in the fifth minute to make it 3-0.

Ballinger joined the goal club off a helper from junior Brandon Jaimes in the 10th minute before things got physical with the Seahawks up 4-0. Senior George Sapna was fouled in the box in the 16th minute and converted from the spot, putting Sussex Academy ahead 5-0.

The Seahawks held their ground and scored the next two goals – Sapna in the 21st and Ballinger in the 36th minute – to take a commanding 7-0 lead late in the first half.

Benz became the third player to net a brace dribbling past the goalkeeper to score the eighth and final goal with seconds to go in the opening 40 minutes.

Dina asked Benz to take on a few different roles in the contest.

“If coach says winger, I'll play there; striker, I'll play there; center-mid, it doesn't really matter,” Benz said. “I just want to play on the field, help the team get the win.” 

Benz was one of the upperclassmen tasked with seeing out the win while working with some younger guys getting their first varsity action. He made sure they knew where to be.

“I was in a similar situation – eighth-grader playing on JV – and I looked up to a lot of older guys,” Benz said. “I want to be able to be a guy out there that they can look up to and help for guidance on the field.” 

The second-half crew made sure the shutout would stand, while generating a few looks on offense, as the Seahawks flew off with an 8-0 victory and their first blank of the year.

“It’s great to finally be able to get another clean sheet,” senior Ben Steimel said. 

Sussex Academy recorded 13 shutouts during its championship run last year.

The Seahawks welcome Appoquinimink for another showcase game at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 16.