District 1-3A: Conestoga turns up the pressure, beats Central Bucks West
DOYLESTOWN — After sputtering during its opening-round playoff win over Harriton, Conestoga’s attack sped into fifth gear in the second quarter Thursday night at Central Bucks West.
The Pioneers snapped their passes, buried five of their shots, and turned a 3-1 lead into an 8-1 cushion at halftime. Tenth-seeded Conestoga would get tremendous play all throughout the lineup and a game-high four goals from Chris Forgie in a satisfying 9-3 victory over the Bucks in the second round of the District 1-3A Playoffs.
“It was a great win. We played a rough game against Harriton (in the first round) – we came out really flat, but it was nice to get a big win here,” said Forgie. “(After that second quarter), we just didn’t look back. We kept pushing the ball and we knew our offense could take it against their defense.”
The win sends the Pioneers to a quarterfinal game at No. 2 Springfield Delco on Tuesday while a landmark season for the Bucks came to a close. West tied the school record for wins this year with 15.
Matt Jacobsen scored twice for the Bucks and senior Austin Hahn added a tally.
“It was a good run,” said Hahn, who will play at NJIT next year. “I wouldn’t have wanted to do it with anybody else. I love these guys to death. I love all of them.”
West’s tremendous season had earned the squad a first-round bye.
The Bucks hung in early but it was that pivotal second quarter by Conestoga that tilted control.
“I felt great. I didn’t play well on Tuesday so it was nice to get it back this game,” said Forgie, a captain for the Pioneers and a major catalyst again on Thursday. “Our coaches preach (working the ball around). On Tuesday, we had a lot of one-on-one type stuff so it was nice to get a whole bunch of assisted goals from our top players today.”
Added Forgie: “We get Springfield next and they beat us pretty bad last time so we’ll come firing.”
Wade Beckstrom added three goals for the Pioneers, with Adrien Grove and Charlie Newhall each chipping in a goal each.
For West, an outstanding group of seniors have laid the foundation that a strong returning nucleus will look to build on next year.
“I grew up playing with these guys and we’re a family here. That’s just the way we are,” said Hahn. “Being able to go out and play with guys that I know are gonna have my back no matter what just makes it really special.”
Goalie Will Shandlay was the backbone for West.
“It’s not the ending we wanted but if I had to string up my cleats after this season, I’m content with that,” said Shandlay, who also aims to play in college. “Looking back on it, we made a lot of memories this year. I’m gonna miss these guys.”
District 1-3A Second Round
Conestoga 9, Central Bucks West 3
10 Conestoga 3 5 1 0 – 9
7 CB West 1 0 1 1 – 3
Conestoga goals: Wade Beckstrom 3, Adrien Grove, Chris Forgie 4, Charlie Newhall.
CB West goals: Matt Jacobsen 2, Austin Hahn.
