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Are you kidding me? I just looked at NW schedule. They have 9 double digit wins. They play alot of bad teams. There seems to only be a hand full of teams that are considered good teams in the state. Looking at the remainder of their schedule they have at least a few more 10 plus goal games.

It's the region, they can't help it. They do have decent games scheduled. Fort Mill for the region, Eastside, Lake Murray challenge, and the Palmetto Cup coming up next week. I'm pretty sure the NW coaching staff would go for a tough schedule if they could, especially with the talent on that team.

It is not like Northwestern is the only team that does this. All good teams do to other teams in their region. I mean yeah I think that 16-0 is overkill but in other regions teams like Greenville, Eastside, Daniel, and Riverside all beat the bad teams by 8+ goals. Obviously NW knows they have bad competition and that is why they are in the Palmetto Cup. If you have seen the field in the Palmetto Cup it will provide some very tough competition and I believe NW will prove that they are a very good team.

scsoccerman,

its about time that you got on here and bashed in the NW program once again. Why the hard feelings? you might want to inform dreher, ben lippen, irmo, eastside, fort mill, summerville, socastee, daniel, and cardinal newman that they are not good teams.

So whats your beef with NW? before you jump to any conclusions about me, my ties with the NW program were cut with the coaching change.

Outside of their region, they only have 3 games that aren't against competitive programs. However I think there is no need to have any, but 3 out of 13 isn't so bad.

NW....don't yall ever play with restrictions once you're up by 5 or so?

Lowerstate4A - It's obvious your bias towards NW and other 4A programs from y(our) part of the state! However, you are woefully wrong in this aspect as the teams that you mentioned as "not good teams" are quite respectable and even state-championship-caliber in their own classifications or divisions.

Ben Lippen will challenge Pinewood Prep for the SCISA title. Cardinal Newman can make things interesting and will only get better with time. They have talent, but are young.

Fort Mill, Summerville, and IRMO should never be counted out in 4A as their demographics lead them to overall success and the likes of a Phil Savitz could lead Irmo to an improbable, but worthy 4A title by May.

Daniel, Socastee, Eastside, and Dreher are all formidable 3A teams and each figures to have a shot at their state championship.

Sorry to dissapoint, but Region III-4A is extremely weak outside of the top two and if Northwestern is to prove this, they need to do so in their upcoming tournament and in the playoffs.

If the teams they play agree to step out onto the field with NW, they are going to get whats coming to them. No one rags on the region 5 teams for putting up double digits on Lower Richland, Northwestern just does it more often, because they are forced to play more bad teams. Look at this, Irmo beats Lower Richland 15-0, and they beat RNE 6-0. Then RNE turns around and puts 17 on LR. I think that Irmo could have easily topped RNE's score against LR, but they probably had some form of limitations, or atleast played non starters, causing their score to ONLY be 15.

PLEASE, be angry with EVERY team that beats other teams by double digits if you are going to whine and moan about Northwestern.

yea...but region V also has spring valley, dutch fork, irmo, and ridge view to compete with....

The Hammer

you misunderstood my post. scsoccerman was hammering their schedule. My quote was "you (as in scsoccerman) might want to inform those teams that i listed that they are not any good". I was giving all of them props. you either misread my post or i did not make it clear. hope this clears somethings up. i agree with everything that you said. i was arguing that while NW region is weak, out of their control, the rest of the schedule is at least decent.

Guest- What Benp is saying is that NW cannot control who they play. If they have to play bad teams then they should beat them badly...if they didn't beat them badly then they would be criticized for that. We will see how they fair in the Palmetto Cup and the playoffs against better competition. Don't be surprised if they continue to win even against better competition.

U90,

Your logic is that if you are a top-ranked team, and you have to play bad teams.....you must beat them badly to show that you deserve to be highly ranked?

I understand the position NW is in. They would certainly prefer to have more competitive games within their region.

NW should do well in the tournament considering that the best team they play in the palmetto cup is Summerville

Don't be too surprised if Daniel takes home a 2 or 3 goal victory over Summerville.

Me being from the Upstate, Daniel's talented!!!

^^^^^^^^wow samuel jackson did not yell

i agree though they are talented and i think they will bet summervile.

Summerville has a fine team. They play the passing game very well, strong defense, and they can score if you make mistakes. They should make a very good showing in next weeks' tournament. I hear Hilton Head will have four of it's starters in Italy and unavailable for the tourney. I guess other teams may also have similar problems.

Bummer if that is true! I was looking forward to the FM v HH game. Would like to see both teams at full strength to get a better read on the rankings.

As far as setting limitations go, I am pretty sure that northwestern's starters did no even start against York. I'm not positive about that though.

Folks,

That is one thing you need to keep in perspective here.
Not only are they playing a few freshmen, they have also brought up JV players for a game or two and the starters hardly ever get past the first half.

You cannot bash NW because of the region around them having a decline in talent and they don't.

Could you imagine if Arroyo was playing also...

Also note that NW jumped on the tourney schedule this year so to play other teams outside the region SINCE none of them volunteered to play while making the schedule...

The regular season is almost over so just sit tight and the playoff's will tell...

If you look at some of the stats, the bench players have scored more than the starters during a game. I think that says a lot about NW and their depth.

I truly feel sorry for Northwestern. I think their chances of winning state every year would be MUCH higher if they could play their starters more often. More proof that a soccer specific classification system, and relegation would benefit south carolina sports tremendously.

Wouldn't argue with that one bit...if schedules could be grouped around teams with similar levels of development, it would be more fun and challenging for everyone...I'd hate to have to tackle the logistics of organizing that, though.

I agree but i dont see it happening any time soon

This message goes out to anyone who has written negitively toward Northwestern and their competition. Its not Northwestern who chooses who they play during the regular season therefore they have no control over their competition during the regular season. As far as running up the score on the teams they play, that might be because they are tring to send a message to all other teams that its going to take a hell of alot to beat this top-notch team. The regular season doesnt mean ****. It is the playoffs that will decide who has what it takes to be the real #1. So till then stop *****in and whinin about how yall are jealous of a team that is helpless of their reagular season matchups. You'll see the same results in the begining of May when they have to play what you may think as "Good Teams" in the playoffs. As far as what I've seen, Northwestern is the PowerHouse in the State and im from Columbia so I see the good local teams (Irmo, Dorman, etc.) down there play too.

If you are saying that nothing matters until the playoffs then dont say anything until the playoffs. I am sorry for NW but it is alot harder to compare them when they are not playing so many good teams like others teams are. And it is my understanding that teams do make their own schedule besides region games they have to play.

score more.... NW does choose their games. of the 23 only 10 (or 43%) they cannot choose, 30% are Tours (Lake Murray, and Palmetto), 26% are choices.

Why play Darlington or clover, etc? the combined year to date records of the "choices" is 43-40-1 essentially 0.500. the combine records of all their opponents year to date is 140-105-4 roughly 57%, whereas SV is 157-96-5 ~62%, James Island 148-96-4 ~61%, Irmo 96-56-1 ~63%, DF 101-65 ~61%, Dorman 160-89 ~64%, Summerville 167-97-5 ~63%.

Yes some of these teams are helped by their region opponents, but you can argue they have a greater chance to lose.

yes NW is a good squad but until you win it all the question will still be there.

I think you would agree that a question mark as to the #1 status is warranted.

Back to the question you say they have 26% of choice.

Well, that 26% of choice declined when asked to play NW. So they had to deal with filling the schedule with Darlingtons, who lead NW that they actually had a team to play against.

Ask the other 26% how late in the scheduling they were chosen to participate!

I think the NW coaching staff JUMPED on the chance to participate in the 2 tourney's this year just to get the competition...

I kid you not when I say, nobody wanted to schedule a game with them... Ask around but they might deny.

Your always going to have a Clover but the Darlington team volunteered because they had always wanted to play on NW's field... AND nobody else wanted to...

I could state more but I do not want to incriminate anyone so...

Does ahyone else find it amusing that people feel sorry for Northwestern? I mean they are number one in the state, are dominating pretty much every team they are playing, and are stacked with talent. Also, clover is not that big of a suprise. Northwestern has been scheduling games with them for over ten years. Why should they stop now? Just because they have had a lot of talent come through the last four years?

Hey... all I did is point to the obvious. If NW is unable to or chosses to play who they play then they will be open to question their status. Since I do not know how they schedule or why "supposedly" other teams do not want to play them I cannot comment on the "scared" factor. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle.

Until they play stronger competition there will always be a question.

Seriously..

Region is out of their hands. So..that leaves THREE matches that are questionable. Darlington, Clover, and Boiling Springs.

They're in the LMC AND Palmetto Cup this year! One of the top pre-season tourneys..and THE top season tourney.

Maybe they should play some schools in Charlotte..but I'd like for some of you guys to be in the room when the soccer coach asks the AD if they can drive to Columbia to play friendlies.

Get real man!

Lastly.. if you've seen Northwestern..you KNOW they're stacked AND for real. They don't have to prove a thing to any of you guys. They'll do it in the post season..they've done it before.

Charlotte boys play in the fall. That's asking too much of Northwestern.

Time for me to chime in here.

Yes, NW is loaded and good. And yes, the region schedule is what it is so I have no problem with that. That's how some schedules are and there is nothing wrong with that. With that being said, please don't tell me that no one wants to play NW. Spring Valley has played Dorman and has gone up to Mauldin, along with playing in the toughest region in the state and everyone knew when the schedules were made that SV has a really good team this year.

Greenville is not that far away and there are many quality 3A and 4A teams that are out of region play that would make great games.


Ro

Hurst: didn't know that.. disregard.

CF: Who cares? They still get it done in the playoffs (unlike SV)..how much more do you want to push a team?

Does anyone question Irmo taking Spring Break off?

Why does a team need to beat the crap out of themselves during the regular season?

They still have the LMC and Palmetto Cup..doesn't get much tougher than that.

I say it again... NW has a good squad.

I also say it again.... there are many reasons WHY they have to do what they do ($$$, logistics, etc.).

Therefore if you have no other option then it will always be questioned why they deserve to be #1. It is a fact of life.

If DF or RV where in that region with the schedule that NW has would they deserve to be #1 or 2 or 3?

If you replace NW with RV in that region and give them a split with Ft. Mill instead of looking at a potential 10 W - 11 L season you are looking at 15 and 6...Huge difference!!!

If you replace NW with DF in that region, instead of looking at a potential 13-5 season you have a 16 - 2 season (running the table on the region and not counting the Italian trip games)

RV is not ranked and DF is #10 and the only difference in the examples above would be region record.
DF plays Chapin twice, BC and Lexington in the non-tournament outside the region portion of the schedule.

RV plays Lexington, Chapin, Dorman, Hillcrest, Aiken and West Florence in the same portion.

And As I said before, when they win the state cup, then they can say I told you so. Until then it will be questioned.

I'm I the only one that sees a possible conflict between G-ville and NW?

This topic should probably just be put on hold till the Palmetto Cup is underway..

If NW drops a game to S-ville, Socastee, or Daniel..then talk away.. but for right now they lost in PKs to Dreher..and that is that. No matter who is "ranked" #1 in 4A this year..you can poke holes in the logic. No?

LE just for your info... I believe you would agree that every game should be 50/50 when you start. However some games are more than 50/50.

Lets look at the non-tournament non-region schedule of the current top 15 teams and see how many games against top 15 4A teams they have scheduled

#1 NW - 1 Dorman
#2 Wando - 3
#3 James Island - 3
#4 SA- 1 + 4 Ga schools which only Benp knows how good they are
#5 SV - 3
#6 Irmo - 1 + 2 Ga schools
#7 FM - 0
#8 HH - 3
#9 Lexington - 3
#10 DF - 1 + italian trip which took place of other games
#11 Dorman - 3
#12 Mauldin 1
#13 West Ashley - 3
#14 Summerville - 3
#15 Beaufort - 3

NR - RV - 3
NR Aiken - 1 + 2 Ga schools

And some of the other games are against top 3A schools Chapin, Dreher, BC,. etc.

The opportunity to lose is more relevant to the programs playing tougher games than it is to NW. That is all I am saying.

I also must admitt that I missed you connection with Gville... The same argument may happen there as well. I see BC, Dreher and Chapin playing Top 15 4A schools. With Chapin playing Irmo and DF twice each.

Nick Finotti/G-ville Coach was at NW for last few years no? ..just poking holes in the hole poker's theories.

My point is though.. we're all just making speculation.. whether it's that they schedule weak competition, the NW AD won't let them travel much..or that people won't travel/play them..we can't say.

And so I'm saying.. let's look at results. A ring and a loss to eventual champs. Pretty solid postseason play in my opinion.

i think that i recall early on that the nw coach asked for games at this web site and did not get any response from any ranked teams at any classification, a few weak sisters responded. nw needed games hence the request. made the same request for the nw spring break tournament and got zero response. what's a mother to do?

What is the NW spring break tournament?

They are playing in the palmetto cup in Cola.

Also, what is early on??? Many schools have their schedule set by the end of the calendar year.

There may be many reasons why it did not happen. As an example, if I am Ridge View and I can play good caliber teams in my loccal area without major transportation issues, then why go to NW...

If you are Ridgeview, and NW is less than an hour up I-77....why not play the best?

Hurst we can argue all day long... If I am Ridge View, and I play Irmo, SV, DF, Lex, Chapin, Dreher, BC etc. at low cost in transportation why go there?

I guess what I am saying is "... bring the mountain to mohammed"

So if NW is willing to make the trip down.....you'll squeeze them into your schedule.

If I had a say so...yes.

If you're Ridge View, then i'd say its your call.

SA would not schedule and NW agreed to travel there...
I think this could be found as a fact.

I don't think Greenville wanted to play NW because of the connection this year. Which is fine.

As you mentioned, NW did post and as you might have expressed, door stop teams replied...

It is what it is. Until playoff.

The Palm Cup should show a little also.

Let's watch this week.

Its kinda like College Basketball. The regular season is just a warm-up to the big dance that actually matters...

Oh, and I would agree to the DF having a better record in Upper State (although Fort Mill could give them a loss in there) I surely do not think they are going to have as enjoyable time in Italy unless the competition is poor.

I have seen a couple trips with quality players from club ball teams that do not fair very well over seas. Its a great time, and you would like to win a game or two but it really doesn't matter.

You can't MAKE the other teams BETTER so folks will always slam a weak schedule.

I think Rock Hill is getting better...

haha...I'm guessing (i don't know alot about it) that Dutch Fork will be the poor competition. I couldn't find any information about the tournament, except that it is for u12-u18...Meaning Dutch Fork will play U18, and in one of Europe's largest international youth tournaments over easter week? I think that Dutch Fork will be lucky to come out with a couple of good showings, but its all about the sightseeing.

I think its a great idea if the team can afford the trip.

Win or lose, it an incredible time and an experience someone may never have the chance again to take.

But do not expect to win...

BUT, you can expect to learn...

For the record... NW was looking for 2 games in early January (See Here)

And was attempting to start a Spring break tournament in Nov of 05.

..ahem..

NW 5-0 over Summerville.

But who said that Summerville was any good? They have lost most of their games v. ranked teams, and half of their wins were against weak teams with poor records.
http://216.27.84.134/cgi-bin/sicrtsc.pl?&Type=h&State=sc&Ranka=1&sno=1086&Gender=s&Season=06

yes but they aren't losing to those teams by 5!
they're worst loss is by 2 and that includes losses to 6 of the top 15 4a schools and g-ville(the number 1 team in the nation) only beat them by two...

And at a neutral site...

This really could have been worse but starters went out at the 60 minute mark...

..put whatever spin on it you want Stroke. 5-0 is strong. The only reason NW will fall this year..is mental.

5-0 doesn't really tell the whole story either, nw dominated. The score could have been worse.

Mental. What are you talking about. This team is solid all the way through and will definitly not fall because of their mentality. L-E Dude have you even seen them play? The summerville game was just an example of how good they are.
the score could have been worse and should have been worse.Summerville never really got a good opportunity on goal. Northwestern,no matter how easy there schedule is, is a very good team and should do well when playoffs come around. They will be in contention of the 4A championship.

Whoa whoa whoa Johnny.. calm down! I didn't mean to imply that they have mental issues. I meant that that is the ONLY thing that COULD stop them. If they stay focused (which I have no reason to believe they won't)..they're going to the title game. I have seen them play..which is why I know they have all the weapons they need..and more!

I'm with you Johnny..i'm with you.

yea that is my fault i did come of a little mad..but i didnt mean to. L-E dude elaborate on the whole mentaltiy thing i still don't see where you are coming from.

It really wasn't meant to be some profound thing.. but.. with things the way they are in the Upperstate this year. I think if NW maintains the right attitude..and just continues to dominate..they'll be fine. If they let up..thinking it's a cakewalk to State..someone like Lex or SA or FM or Dorman could send them home early.

Capesh?

i see what you are saying that if they think that no one will challenge them to state and then someone suprises them..gotcha.

i like the way u think

How many games has Northwestern had to play their starters for the whole game? Just curious, not trying to flame. This could hurt them in the play-offs when they play stiffer competition.

I wasn't talking about not enough rest, but too much rest. From the results so far, Northwestern hasn't had many close matches, which means the starters haven't played the whole game for most of the season. When they end up playing a team like SA, Irmo, DF, or whomever that is closer to their level, will they be able to go the full time?

if i remember correctly, the score was nw 3, irmo 1, and i think nw's starters played most of the game without a problem, same with fort mill and others. why is it that you people cannot just give nw credit where credit is due. they are good and deserve the number 1 ranking and are the favorite to wear the crown this year. can they be beaten? absolutely, there never has been a team in any sport that couldn't be beaten. some said summerville was this or that and then nw spanks them and the story goes that s'ville aint so hot, and then poor k-town admirals were tired even though they subbed far more than nw did. isnt farragunt the same team that rallied late against s valley and hh? doesnt sound like a tired team, but in fact sounds like a well conditioned team. read it and weep, the trojans are for real and relish the opportunity to prove it again on the field.

Come on, everyone is giving them their credit. People are just saying thet when it comes to the playoffs, things get alot tighter. The first couple of rounds should be a breeze for NW, but then they will most likely have to face SA on the road, which is really the upper state championship. To tell you the truth I am pulling for NW to win state, but they must have all their ducks in a row, dont leave anything out!

NW has it all! Their tenacity and conditioning I have not seen matched by anyone! They will come at you for 80 strong minutes. They will most likely have some tough games come playoffs but they will be very difficult to beat! With a little luck, some questionable ref...

They didn't have.........Enzo.

and didn't clifton break his leg early in the season?

They have everyone from last year. Replace Enzo for Arroyo and Clinton with whoever replaced him last year when he was hurt. Maybe one other that I can't remember.

Good point Shearer.
By the way, how's your leg?

This years team is better than last years team even without Nathan. If they had Nathan they would be even better. The reason they are better is b/c the defense has more experience with a flat back four (and Clinton). Also other players have had a year to mature and become much better players (Ben Brannan for example). Both teams were/are good but this one is better b/c they are more mature and have more leadership.

I think this years team plays better as a team. Last year looked for Nathan to do it all.

Import - I would argue your point condsidering the top 3 in the state for scoring came from NW.

Kropp had 39 assists, Phillips had a complete year as they were a faster team and played a different style of game.

Enzo does not replace Arroyo. Enzo will be a great mid and if he can mature with speed, he will be a fantastic forward in a couple.

Your also missing Caratella at midfield. I would say that Enzo replaces Caratella and Kropp, Benson and Phillips has stepped up to the scoring. The defense is complete since Clinton is back. And yes a year of maturity definetly makes it.

And I think last years club played AWSOME as a team that had a focus point or a leader. They ran through teams in a different fashion. A different style of play than this year.

And whether "I" like it or not, the Upper State teams are so very weak. and that is pretty hard versus some of the teams of last year.

Kropp is a damn good play maker and focal point this year! Last year just seemed to always look for Nathan and this year more open. Both teams are/were awesome. Great style of soccer and seem to always outhustle their opponents. Love watching them play. As Nathan last year, Ryan deserving for player of year consideration.

From today's State (thanx f'bol)

http://www.thestate.com/mld/thestate/sports/14383439.htm

all state,
i would not get too hyped up about high school points. the goal inflation in high school soccer is worse that grade inflation in schools.

"Enzo does not replace Arroyo. Enzo will be a great mid and if he can mature with speed, he will be a fantastic forward in a couple."

I find this comment amusing given that Enzo is a National U15 ODP pool player as a FORWARD.

Not to let the cat out of the bag but Enzo is pretty freakin fantastic right now.

FWIW I would rather have to defend Arroyo than kropp or Enzo. Their work rate is higher and their speed of play is twice that of Arroyo.

Enzo plays with more heart and class than any player I've ever seen. He's extremely humble and doesn't hesitate to direct attention to his teammates both in high school and on his DSC team. "Enzo isn't pretty freakin' fantastic right now"...Enzo is pretty freakin' fantastic ANYTIME he's on the pitch. You should come see him play with his club team...where the competition is some of the best in the country. He is truly amazing to watch...

He is fun to watch....He plays at another level

I think watching him in competitive high school games, where he is playing UP three years in age, is even more rewarding than watching him run through his peers with DSC.

Not trying to be argumentative H66, but because of what his club team has accomplished, they have had the unique opportunity to play some of the best soccer talent in the country. I may be speaking out of turn here but that caliber of team would probably have their way with most any of the high school teams around here. Hence, Enzo is able to play up 3 years not only because of his talent but because of having been prepared by playing these higher caliber club teams. As I said...this is just my opinion.

Yeah, of course any good club team will have their way with most any high school team. But if they played a good highschool team they would get beat. He isn't exactly playing up three years when he plays freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

"FWIW I would rather have to defend Arroyo than kropp or Enzo. Their work rate is higher and their speed of play is twice that of Arroyo."

Soze -you have to be on crack.

First off, you couldn't catch Arroyo. He's a very fast, great off the ball scoring threat.

Kropp and Enzo are great players, but your watching two players that have to create to beat.
80% of the time Arroyo was by you before you knew what the hell to do and then, oops... another goal.

I think you have to know and see more than you do...

Understand that Kropp didn't have to work last year. He was a setup man. He was the best setup man. That was his job.

But I would rather defend Kropp or Enzo before trying to keep up with Arroyo.

Hey, why don't you come out to the fields on Sunday at Cherry Park and defend him yourself since the league there cannot...

After defending both Nathen and Enzo over the past two years I would have to say that Enzo is better at dishing the ball and Nathen was a better finisher. However, in a couple of years i expect Enzo to be the best in the state. Maybe even next year. So watch out.

All State I think you are Arroyo or his b**ch. Arroyo is not fast quick nor does he have pace. He is a goal scorer period. But I stand by my statement, Kropp and Enzo work harder than he does; oops I meant did.

I've seen both Arroyo and Enzo play and here is my opinion on who is better. Arroyo is better than Enzo right now. However, Enzo is only a freshman and his best years are ahead of him. Enzo will be better. He is a rare talent that comes once in a blue moon. It's a frightening situation for teams in 4A because it means 3 more years of Northwestern being ubertalented.

Not arguing with you SoSay...

My opinion stands, and yours does not matter.

I know for a fact that allstate isn't nathan. He was nathan's b***ch though. But so was every other high school player that tried to gaurd him.

"Arroyo is not fast quick nor does he have pace."

You're joking, right?

good god allstate-status

does arroyo make you zip him up after he's through with you?

ive heard a lot about how deep northwestern is, who are the primary players that come off the bench and contribute for them?

I think it's safe to say that Northwestern is the best boys team in the state this year. That doesn't mean they'll win the championship, but so far they are the best.

We played Greenville and they are good, but not all that. I think Spring Valley, Wando and Daniel are all better than Greenville. We'll see them in the Quarters at our place this time!