Looking for a way to turn the corner, Mount Vernon boys soccer coach Scott Dapprich decided to adjust his offense.
The Yellow Jackets spent the week working on the new “W” scheme, as Dapprich calls it, and it paid dividends with a 3-0 win at Newark in non-league play on Sept. 17.
“We’ve been trying to look different in our formation from what we’ve been doing,” Dapprich told the Mount Vernon News. “We tried something a little different in the last six to seven days in practice, but haven’t been able to put it into play (until the Newark game).”
How was the offense different?
“Before the formation (change), I was the only one up top,” junior Isaiah Jones told the News. “I’d pressure by myself and they’d play it to the other defender. Now with Mays (Gunderson) up there with me, we can trap together. We have our outside mids coming up to make stops. It really helps our defense turn into offense.”
Jones hasn’t had much trouble scoring for the Jackets, especially lately. He went for five goals and an assist in Mount Vernon’s 16-0 win over Mansfield Senior in Ohio Cardinal Conference play on Sept. 15.
“He’s not only scoring goals, but he giving assists,” Dapprich said. “He’s laying the balls off to the right people at the right time. Isaiah’s been working his butt off and he’s a workhorse for us.”
Jones also scored twice against Newark, both on through balls. The first came on a Toby Boggs feed with 23:02 left in the first half to give the Jackets a 2-0 lead. The second was from Mays Gunderson with 5:44 left in the game.
Gunderson also tallied a goal against the Wildcats, converting a penalty kick after Jack Craigo was fouled in the box with 29:29 left in the opening half.
Against Mansfield Senior, eight different players scored goals in the lopsided win. Bryce Wiles had four goals and a helper, and Andrew White had a goal and an assist for the Jackets (5-4, 1-2) against the Tygers.
“It’s fun to watch our whole team because they’re playing as a team,” Dapprich said. “Not really caring who’s scoring or who’s getting the assist— they’re doing it together. It’s fun to watch our guys play.”
Dean and Craigo had two saves each against Mansfield Senior.
“(Against Newark), our defense played they best they’ve ever played,” Jones said. “Everybody was pushing as a team and getting stops, which helped our forwards up there making plays.”
Dean stopped seven shots at Newark to keep the shutout, including a late-game Brayden McElhiney free kick that pinballed in front of goal.
