SPS hopped in the minibuses for the quick trip north to the Tilton School for a tilt on the big Rams field.  The Big Red used the width of the field well to possess the ball in the early going.  A few soft balls and inaccurate passes gave the Rams a few chances, but the Big Red defense held strong.  At the ten-minute mark, Alexander de Burgh Codrington '28 picked up a long rebound of his own shot at the top of the box and nestled it nicely into the far corner of the net to give the visitors a one goal lead.  With more pressure from the flanks the Big Red created several chances, and it was at the twenty-five minute mark that this would yield more dividends.  A sweet through ball from Pat Cooley '25 sent a galloping Blake Truchon '26 in behind the Ram defense.  Blake buried a bullet just inside the near post for the 2 – nil lead.  Cooley would strike a ball off the cross-bar minutes later and despite numerous chances, the half would end 2 – 0.
 
As has been the case at several points this season, the Big Red has been challenged to press their advantage for a full ninety minutes.  This was the case in the second half as SPS gave up a penalty kick three minutes into the half and it was suddenly 2 – 1 and the Rams had life.  While the big Red kept the possession they failed to finish.  Twenty minutes into the half, Tilton took advantage of a free kick from the right side and flicked home a header on a well placed serve.  2 – 2!  Would the Big Red panic or rise to the challenge?  Twenty-six minutes in Will Iller's shot rang off the cross bar.  At the twenty eight minute mark Gavin Nestler '25 (attacking wonderfully all afternoon) found himself through on the right flank only to see his shot ring off the right post.  In the thirty third minute an SPS corner kick landed inside the six and several players had chances to finish but no one could get a clean strike.  Another Big Red corner with six minutes to play – this one also lands in the box, bounces around and falls to Pat Collyes left foot.  Pat's strike somehow found its way through a crowd and into the back of the net.  Jubilation from the sideline!  As well as much relief!!  Cooley would help put the nail in the coffin two minutes later with a sublime chip over the back line to a waiting Iller who calmly flick headed the ball over the outstretched fingers of the Tilton keeper.  4 – 2 would be final score.
 
Much more to go this week.  The squad recognizes the contributions of their seniors - Randy Fu Carter Corbett, Pat Cooley, Kristof Lovegren, David Kwon, Samson Nguyen, Ryan Ham, Lucas Miller and Gavin Nestler on Friday night when the take on the Proctor Hornets under the lights at Guzzo Field.  Saturday the club heads to Brookline, MA to take on the Dexter School for the first time in school history.  Hope to see you there.
Go Big Red!