Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Forget critics, Pirates don't doubt abilities

By Izzy Gould
Published January 23, 2007

LAND O'LAKES - Barry Grayling would feel comfortable tapping any bus driver on the shoulder and whispering directions to any high school soccer field.

Regardless of the challenge, Pasco's fourth-year coach feels his boys would give a good fight.

The bus pulled into Land O'Lakes last week, dumping a hungry bunch to face the revamped Gators. Fans huddled amid brisk winds and were rewarded with a battle that lived up to expectations. When it was over, Pasco had claimed a 2-1 victory and it first undefeated regular season.

What Grayling refers to as the real season begins Wednesday in what amounts to a one-game playoff with the Hudson-Zephyrhills winner.

Expectations, however, are far greater than just making the state tournament for this team that reached the final four last season.

"We wanted to be first in district and conference and get back to the final four," senior Jose Montolongo said.

So far they Pirates have won the Sunshine Athletic Conference and earned the top seed in the Class 4A, District 8 tournament at Hudson. Two wins there will make Pasco the district champ and guarantee at least a home game in the state tournament. Then the heavyweights come calling.

Critics have pointed to Pasco's weak schedule as a detractor from its 17-0-2 record.

The Pirates have weathered storms from the Gators, Mitchell and Wesley Chapel but have nothing to show from powers outside the North Suncoast. Grayling points to preseason games with Gaither and Jesuit as true challenges.

"I really don't care what they say," Montolongo said. "We just do whatever we've got to do."

Answers about Pasco's true grit will come quickly. There were a few key changes to the lineup.

Gone are Gary Alejandro, Antonio Corona and Julio Mendoza. They were replaced by Ramon Rodriguez Pasco's leading scorer, Luis Ortiz (Wesley Chapel transfer) and Eric Manning (moved from defense to the midfield).

The regular season provided a time to develop chemistry, but most of the players agree little has changed despite new faces.

In terms of preparation, Grayling is satisfied. He says the Pirates are always ready to play at a high level.

"They might not look ready half the time, but soccer's their life," Grayling said. "That's all they think and breathe. They can't wait to get out there and play on Sundays and everything else."

Izzy Gould can be reached at igould@sptimes.com or (727) 580-5315.

[Last modified January 22, 2007, 22:01:17]