MHC Dish From the Pitch 2013 MHC Dish From the Pitch 10 | Página 6

Final Game Weighs Heavily on Silver Spring House
as McBob’s Busts their Slump
by Jack Harrold
The chill of the
midsummer morning air
echoed McBob’s Gael Wind’s
resolve as they took the
field in their final game of
the season against the Silver
Spring House Heavyweights.
“We can do this! We have to
WANT this!” shouted
McBob’s Co-Captain Mike
“Jazzhands” Stuht in their
huddle just before the
game, “No quit, We can do
This!” Their steely
demeanor permeated the
entire field as their players
stalked to their starting
positions.
Action started as soon
as the sliothar rolled in. Silver Spring House
took quick control of the ball thanks to the
play of Heavyweights Andy Haugh, Sean-Rae
Zalewski and Matt Kunz. Despite the
impressive Gael Winds defense, by halftime,
Silver Spring House had a small, yet solid
lead.
The second half continued with the
defensive struggle started in the first half.
Heavyweight Phil “Porkchop” Martin led the
Silver Spring Heavyweights superbly on the
backline. At Midfield, Caleb Hunnicutt took
Captain Dave Olson’s halftime mantra “Points win games” and proceeded to shoot
for the upright at every opening.
Unfortunately, many of those attempts went
wide, but the constant pressure on the Gael
Wind’s defense stunted many attempts at
starting a comeback drive.
McBob’s was by no means out of the
game. Their defense did a spectacular job
sweeping the ball out of the middle of the
field, refusing to allow any easy points.
Rookie Gael Wind defender, Denise Lubotsky
had her best game to date. Despite her small
stature, she challenged and won several
battles, helping to clear the sliothar to her
teammates.
The defensive hold was just the break
needed for McBob's. As the fourth quarter

photo credit: Ellen Burmeister
sped on, McBob’s offense found another gear
and quickly shifted from a defensive
juggernaut to offense. As they played with
abandon, the score quickly drew level thanks
to Co-captain Mike Stuht and Gael Wind
Offensive-men Daryl Cardwell and Andy
“Rhino” Wozniak.
The final minutes of the game had the
sidelines on edge as the score roller-coastered
between Silver Spring House and McBob’s
taking turns leading. McBob’s tied it up, the
cheering sidelines excited for them and
incited by the valiant comeback - could they
finally do it? Could they get their first win?
An echo of Heavyweights halftime
mantra “points win games” was felt
throughout Brown Deer Park, everyone at the
edge of their seats. McBob’s Co-Captain Mike
Stuht sent one sailing over the bar putting
them up by a single point, only to have the
final whistle sound mere moments later.
Cheers erupted along the sidelines as McBob’s
earned their first win with a score of 5-7 (22)
to 5-6 (21) in the closing seconds.
Never one to dwell on a loss, Silver
Spring House Captain Dave Olson proclaimed,
“Great Game, they played well. But, these
colors will be back next year - now, everyone
get in here.” Another Heavyweight inquired,
“Group hug?” Dave - “yeah, group hug!”