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Rams don't mind a humbler start

Ridgewood is the No. 4 seed, but coach Ed McComiskey says that's just fine since being No. 1 last year didn't work out.

By STEVE LEE
Published January 30, 2005

NEW PORT RICHEY - A year after his team was ousted from the Class 4A, District 10 tournament as the top seed, Ridgewood coach Ed McComiskey is glad to be further back in the pack.

Specifically, fourth.

Heading into the postseason with a county-best 17 wins last season, a playoff run seemed inevitable for the Rams. Then No. 5 Gulf pulled off a stunning 3-2 district semifinal win in a game Ridgewood led 2-0.

Conversely, the Rams won a district title as the third seed in 2003.

"I really don't want to be the No. 1 seed, because you miss that first game where you can get problems worked out," McComiskey said of a first-round bye. "That first game sort of gets you ready for the next round.

"I feel good about (being seeded fourth for this week's series hosted by top-seeded Hudson). Last year, it didn't help us that we were the No. 1 seed."

Ridgewood opens the 4A-10 tournament at 6 p.m. Monday against Zephyrhills. The Rams have six wins, three more than win Zephyrhills. The teams split two games this season.

"I think we can beat them," McComiskey said.

If so, the Rams need continued production from Chris Daly and Ryan Memoli. Daly leads the Rams with 19 goals and Memoli has a team-high 11 assists.

McComiskey figured Daly, a senior forward who had 13 goals last season, would improve and he is glad to see Memoli has stepped up as well.

"He never stops running," McComiskey said of Memoli, a junior midfielder. "He's always working for the ball; fighting for it. He finds the open guy."

Pasco has gone from worst to first in the span of two district tournaments.

The Pirates were seeded third in last season's Class 3A, District 6 tournament, courtesy of two wins in the regular season. Three postseason victories and a region semifinal appearance followed, giving the team something to build on.

Pasco improved to 8-8-2 this season, but more important than a .500 overall record was its 4-0 district mark. That secured a spot in the 3A-6 final and clinched a playoff berth.

"We've got a little confidence and the addition of some players made the team a lot better," Pasco coach Barry Grayling said.

No one has had more of an impact than freshman striker Jose Montelongo, who leads the Pirates in goals (16) and points (42). Junior forward Garibaldi Alejandre has nine goals and Roberto Cervantes and Jose Perez each have five.

At the other end of the field, sophomore goalkeeper Luis Hernandez (1.8 goals-against average, three shutouts) has solidified the defense.

An automatic playoff berth, which goes to both finalists, is one thing, but Grayling wants more. A second straight district crown would give the Pirates a home game in the region quarterfinals.

"I'd rather take the No. 1 spot and stay at home," Grayling said, adding that being the No. 1 seed does not guarantee a championship.

"We haven't won this thing yet."

[Last modified January 30, 2005, 00:10:19]