The Palm Beach Post from West Palm Beach, Florida • Page 100

THE PALM BEACH POST WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1999 3C High schools Whelchel comes home Brown, Newman drop Jupiter 4-1 JTr r- 1 7 r. si Resultsschedule Boys soccer Ttmday'i mutts Jupiter 3, Cardinal Newman 3 King's Academy 8, Grandview Prep 1 St. Andrew's 6, American Heritage Boca-Delray 1 Palm Beach Gardens 1, Suncoast 1 South Fork 2. William T. Dwyer 0 Fort Pierce Central 4, Centennial 2 Todiy't matches Atlantic at John I.

Leonard, 6 p.m. Port St. tucie at Boca Raton, 6 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens at Lake Worth, 6 p.m. Santaluces at Palm Beach Lakes, 6 p.m.

Grandview Prep at Pope John Paul, 6 p.m. Forest Hill at Royal Palm Beach, 8:30 p.m. Girls soccer Tueiday't mutt Cardinal Nemwan 4, Jupiter 1 King's Academy John Carroll 1 Okeechobee 6, Fort Pierce Westwood 0 American Heritage Boca Delray 2, Berean Christian 0 Palm Beach Gardens 2, Suncoast 2 Centennial 6, Fort Pierce Central 0 Martin County 3, Sebastian River 0 Todiy't natcbn Pompano Beach at St. Andrew's, 4 p.m. Spanish River at American Heritage BocfrDelray, 4 p.m.

Forest Hill at William T. Dwyer, 6 p.m. South Fork at Royal Palm Beach, 7 p.m. Olympic Heights at Martin County, 7 p.m. Atlantic at John I.

Leonard, 8 p.m. Port St. Lucie at Boca Raton, 8 p.m. Palm Beach Gardens at Lake Worth, 8 p.m. Santaluces at Palm Beach Lakes, 8 p.m.

Football (aims at 7:30 a.m. mien noted Friday's regional quarterfinal Clan6A Lake Worth (5-4) at Melbourne-Palm Bay (80) Tampa-Gaither (5-4) at Santaluces (6-2) Vero Beach (8-1) at Atlantic (9-0) Spanish River (M) at Sarasota-Riverview (6-3) CtaaiSA Olympic Heights (6-3) at Port Orange-Spruce Creek (M) Martin County at Kissimmee-Osceola (0) Sanford Seminole (7-2) at William T. Dwyer Oau4A Naples-Lely (54) at Jupiter (5-4) Estero (91) at Centennial (54) CUnaM Naples Gulf Coast (36) at Glades Central (90) Fort Pierce Westwood (54) at North Fort Myers (54) CU2A St. Petersburg Catholic (62) at Clewiston (81) Archbishop Curley (6-3) at Cardinal Newman (1) Pope John Paul (7-2) at Monsignor Pace (72) Clan A Moore Haven (44) at South Daytona-Warner Christian (7-2) Lakeland-Santa Fe Catholic (63) at Glades Day (7-2) Miami Dade Christian (4-5) at Benjamin (7 2) at King's Academy H.S. kin also scored for American Heritage of Boca-Delray 2, Berean Christian Eighth-grader Jemma LevensWJ; scored twice to lead the Stallion)-(1-0) over the visiting Patriots (0: l).

BOYS SOCCER Cardinal Newman 3, Jupiter. 3: Junior forward John Fico had; two goals and an assist and junior; forward Oscar Gil added a goal as' the Crusaders (1-0) scored twg! second-half goals to tie the War riors (0-1). King's Academy 8, Grandview Prep 1: Senior Jesse Chafin had hat trick and senior Jonathan 0. tiz, senior Bart Winters, junior Ethan Bronson, freshman Chris Geary and sophomore Mike De bay each scored a goal to lead the Lions (1-0) over the Pride (0-1) at West Palm Beach. Palm Beach Gardens 1, Suncoast 1: Tim Charles scored on ad assist from Jon Franks as the Gators (0-O-1) tied the Chargers (OO-l).

Daniel Norton scored Suncoast. SL Andrew's 6, American Heritage of Boca-Delray 1: Junior forwards Gui Sancinetti and Gui Campos each had two goals and junior midfielders Alex Ash'and Luis Isias scored a goal each as the Scots (1-0) defeated the Stallions (0-1). South Fork 2, William T. Dwyer 0: Senior striker John Tovar and junior striker Trey Ingram each scored to lead the Bulldogs (1-0) past the Panthers (0-1). Senior goalkeeper Billy Hughes made three saves for first shutout of the season.

Fort Pierce Central 4, Ceii-tennial 2: Senior Rodrigo Barretto scored twice and seniors Brijido Gamez and Miguel Sartori added a goal each as the Cobras (1-0) beat the Eagles (0-1) at Fort Piece. Fabrizio Scaccia scored both goals for Centennial. The former Spanish River and Duke star returns as coach of her alma mater. By Ross Devonport Palm Beach Post Staff Writer BOCA RATON Kristy Whelchel's career as a soccer player has taken her more than 5,000 miles around the world. But for her first head coaching job though, she will return home to Boca Raton and her high school alma mater to coach the defending state champion Spanish River girls soccer team.

She will not have quite as far to travel, but the task is not an easy one. Girls soccer After graduating from Spanish River in 1995, where a budding soccer dynasty was developing under coaches Tracy Roberts and Rocky Orrezoli, Whelchel attended Duke University on a soccer scholarship. reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament with the Blue Devils in 1996 before graduating this past May. Whelchel then played part of the 1999 season for the semi-pro W-League team Raleigh Wings, but knew she wanted to take her game to another level. Europe was the place where she would find the chance.

"I knew I wanted to play soccer after college, and Denmark presented the best opportunity for me," said Whelchel, who, through a friend, found out about the opportunity to play in the Danish professional women's league. "I wanted to play at a competitive, professional level, and there was no chance of doing that in the United States." The friend was Mikka Hansen, who played for Santa Clara University and the Danish national team in the World Cup. She was playing for Fortuna Hjorring, a team from Hjorring in northern Denmark. Whelchel decided Fortuna was the team with which to further her career. Whelchel played only four games for the Danish team before she came down awkwardly from a Photo by CHRIS MATULA New Spanish River coach Kristy Whelchel likes practicing with her former team.

'I know what they're going through. I think players work harder when they see their coach playing with liiL. with it I definitely fell the pressure, but the girls want to return to states and anything less will be disappointing." One might think that coaching girls close to her age might be difficult for a rookie coach, but Whelchel is taking it all in stride. "I thought I might have discipline problems, but there hasn't been so far. I know what they're going through, and I like to join in their drills sometimes.

I think players work harder when they see their coach playing with them." The Danish soccer season runs from September through November, shuts down because of cold weather and resumes play from March to July, so it is conceivable that Whelchel could come back next year and in the future. If the Sharks make the state finals again this year, you can be sure she will be very welcome to do so. rossdevonportpbpost.com Palm Beach Post Staff Reports WEST PALM BEACH -Sophomore forward Jaime Brown had two goals to lead Cardinal Newman to a 4-1 victory over Jupiter a girls soccer match on Tuesday Junior forward Lynn Rankin and senior forward Denise Van-son also scored for the Crusaders (1-0). Sophomore goalkeeper Jane Auxier had 15 saves for Cardinal Newman. Okeechobee 6, Fort Pierce Central 0: Ashley Nix and Dianna Cassels each scored twice and Jennifer Warren and Jamie Perdue had a goal apiece as the Brahmans (1-0) defeated the Cobras (0-1) at Fort Pierce.

Martin County 3, Sebastian River 0: Junior striker Amy Johnson had a goal and two assists and sophomore midfielder Jen McMahon and senior midfielder Kristin Levesque added a goal each as the Tigers (1-0) defeated the Sharks (0-1). Goalkeeper Rachel Conn had five saves for her first shutout of the season. Palm Beach Gardens 2, Suncoast 2: Kelli Partridge and Jamie Harris each scored second-half goals as the Gators (0-0-1) they came back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the Chargers (0-0-1). Bre Cunningham and Tasha Nalywajko scored for Suncoast. King's Academy 1, John Carroll 1: Senior stopper Mary Luke's goal in the 78th minute on an assist from Jenny Kennedy gave the Rams (0-0-1) a tie with the lions (0-0-1).

Striker Casey Geary, a seventh-grader, scored for King's Academy. Centennial 6, Fort Pierce Central 0: Sophomore forward Danielle Haluch had a hat trick and junior forward Nikki Harris added two goals to lead the Eagles (1-0) past the Cobras (0-1) at Fort Pierce. Junior midfielder Nicole Bel- Football header and tore her ankle ligaments. The experience was great even though it was only for a month," said Whelchel, who returned to Florida after the injury to look for some work while her injury healed. The coaching job at Spanish River, held last season by Bill Fisher, opened and Whelchel didn't waste any time.

The opportunity literally fell into my lap, and I knew immediately that I wanted to do it," she said. "I gave them a call and told them I was interested. It was perfect for me." Despite losing a large chunk of her defense to graduation, including star Lisa Gomez to the University of Miami, Whelchel has a positive outlook for the upcoming season. "I didn't witness last year, so everything I know about this team is positive," she said. "I'm taking what we have and working STUART THURLKILLStaff Photographer Santaluces' 300-pound lineman Vincent Wilfork is widely considered one of the best players in the state.

Wilfork and the Chiefs will take on Tampa-Gaither in the regional quarterfinals on Friday. Santaluces lineman Wilfork is not 'just another fat kid' Area teams to watch Palm Beach Gardens Kelli Partridge leads the Gators, who under new coach Brad Partridge will look to improve on last year's district runner-up. Spanish River With core of offense returning in Yonadi and Tollefson, the Sharks should be strong again. Suncoast Went 13-0 in district last year and have one of the most potent scorers in the county in Tasha Nelywajko (33 goals). SL Andrew's The Scots, defending district champions, will be a young team but with freshman Kate Gallo up front, anything is possible.

Wellington The Wolverines return nine starters and with a strong freshman class should better last year's effort when they reached the state quarterfinals. South Fork High-scoring Keri Dye will lead a quick and deep Bulldogs team and add to 1 her astounding 106-goal total over the past two years. Martin County Went 23-8 and reached the regional quaterfinal last season beforelosing to Orlando-University and will challenge again this season. John Carroll Striker Janet Martin, sweeper Mary Luke and goalkeeper Alison Traynor (nine shutouts) should help the Rams dominate in new district. Area players to watch Name School Yr Pos Comment Kelli Partridge PB Gardens Sr.

A member of the Olympic development program will get better with age and experience. Tasha Nalywajko Suncoast Sr. With 32 goals last yearshe emerged as a team leader and could put up big numbers again this season. Kylie Partridge Suncoast So. Sister of Kelly Partridge, this could be a breakthrough year for the sophomore playmaker.

Krista Fine Atlantic Sr. The Eagles will count on Fine, holder of two school scoring records, to lead their young team. Alicia Maloy Forest Hill Sr. With 25 goals last year, the second team All-Area se- lection could jump to the first team. Christina Hobgood King's Academy So.

Netted 27 goals last year from the midfield; Lions will count on a similar season from their young star. Kate Gallo St. Andrew's Fr. Scored a team-high 27 goals as an eighth-grader to lead the Scots to a district title last season. Amber Tollefson Spanish River Sr.

Found the back of the net 31 times last season and there is no reason why she can't improve on that total. Lindsay Yonadi Spanish River Sr. The Sharks' playmaker will provide Tollefson with the mojority of her goals Phillips Wellington Sr. The Wolverines' captain will provide strength at the back for last year's district champs. Ljndsay Kayal Wellington Jr.

Experienced forward will bring leadership up front and possibly 25 goals or more. Keri Dye South Fork Sr. Had 48 goals and 16 assists last season and has 106 goals in two years. Annie Fink South Fork Jr. Led one of the area's best defenses last season and will be counted on to do it again.

Katie Stewart South Fork Jr. Second in scoring behind Dye and will be the team playmaker, replacing Christy Baker Rachel Conn Martin County Sr. GK One of the Teasure Coast's best goalkeepers with 18 shutouts last season. Mary Luke John Carroll Sr. Had 20 goals and 13 assists as a sweeper last sea son and was a second team all-area selection.

Janet Martin John Carroll Sr. Second on the team in scoring last season behind Luke and gained some strength during the summer. Jen Pfordresher Lincoln Park Sr. Looks to lead the Greyhounds offense with her speed and quickness. Ashley Nix Okeechobee Sr.

Fastest player on the team with great knowledge of the game. Ross Devonport, J.C. de los Reyes By Steve Dorsey Palm liearh Post Staff Writer LANTANA Football coach Ray Berger knew the name Vincent Wilfork before Wilfork even arrived at Santaluces four years ago. Berger had heard sensational stories and had been fed reports about how big and quick Wilfork was for an eighth-grader, about how great he was going to be when he got to high school. "I pictured just another big fat kid," Berger said.

Berger's skepticism quickly vanished the following year as Wilfork lived up to expectations and earned a starting position as a freshman. Today, Wilfork a 6-foot-3, 300-pound senior defensive tackle is widely considered one of the top college prospects in the nation. He is a candidate for the USA Today high school All-America team that will be selected next month and has already made an oral commitment to the University of Miami. Wilfork, who will lead Santaluces against Tampa-Gaither Friday night in the first round of the state playoffs, has handled the stardom as well as he handles opposing linemen and backs. He leads the Chiefs in tackles (67) and sacks (9) and also has five fumble recoveries.

Wilfork also has had limited "He was running people over. I couldn't believe it," said tailback Corey Reddick. "I never seen hiiu move that fast." Wilfork said he has beeq timed at 4.9 seconds in the 40-yard dash. That's extremely fat for a 300-pound high school lineman. Greg Henley, a recruiting consultant who has seen Wilfork play numerous times, said 5.2 or 5.3 probably is a more legitimate clocking, but Henley said Wilfork is "exceptionally quick for a big man." Berger said one of Wilfork's biggest assets is his humility.

"Vince is a caring guy," Berger said. "He's not jumping in'ef eryone's face trying to motivate them. He leads by example. He's not a prima-donna." His teammates agree. "A lot of people look up to Vincent," Reddick said.

"He influences the rest of the team tQ do well. He practices hard everV day." Berger paused, as if to reflect on that first day he saw Wilfork four years ago and soon realized he was not "just another big fat kid" out to play football. "It's going to be really strange without him next year," Berger said. stevedorseypbpost.com i time at offensive guard this season, but he prefers defense unless Berger sends him in as a running back in a goal-line situation. Wilfork usually is used as a blocker in those situations, but he has carried the ball twice this season and scored a touchdown against Palm Beach Lakes.

The one time he failed to score, he immediately returned to the huddle and apologized to his teammates, telling them "I should have got in." Wilfork's most amazing accomplishment carrying the ball came in the Santaluces' win against Olympic Heights two weeks ago. Wilfork, who also is on the kickoff return team, fielded a short kickoff near the 25-yard line. Instead of lateraling it to one of Santaluces' speedy kickoff returners, Wilfork tucked the ball under his arm and headed toward the goal line. He broke two tackles before being tackled from behind inside Olympic Heights' 40-yard line. "I thought I was going all the way," Wilfork said.

"I would have done some sort of dance (in the end zone). I don't know what it would have been, but I would have come up with something." His teammates were in awe..