“I’ve seen a lot of growth in this team and we want to make sure we’re peaking at the right time,” said Warren coach Steffen Blair, whose Dragons improve to 11-4-1 overall and 11-2 in region. “We had a lot of possession tonight, which gave us a valuable opportunity to work on our tactics and get reps with combinations that we will need to perfect as we get closer to the postseason. I’ve seen a lot of growth in this team and we want to make sure we’re peaking at the right time.”

Warren junior Finn Ordiway scored his 15th and 16th goals of the season, and junior Gavin Rex blasted a line drive into the back of the net for Warren. Juniors Brody Alexander, Jack Chapman and Chase Sitler had assists, and Sitler led the Dragons with 23 steals. Sophomore goalie Adon Maier and junior Jack Lynds combined on the shutout with one save apiece.

“Tonight was all about the seniors and, fittingly, both Alex (Eaton) and Dakota (Sliter) had very strong performances,” said Blair of Warren’s two seniors on Senior Night. “They’ve both represented the program so well, and they should be proud of their final home game as Dragons.

“Eisenhower is always a game we look forward to,” added Blair. “We get to coach a lot of those boys in the spring and they’re all great kids and players.”

Photo courtesy of Mark Evans Warren senior Dakota Sliter (16) races Eisenhower’s Thomas Jukes to the ball.

The Knights played the match without a couple of key players.

“As far as tonight’s game goes, I’d like you to mention that we were missing several key players and had to completely reorganise the team,” said Eisenhower coach Mike Taylor. “Against a team as good as Warren, the score isn’t terrible… All players did well, especially Bryceton Wilkins, usually a forward, who had a great game at centre back. Case Seymour made some important saves and Logan and Mason Degnan were threats on the rare occasions we got the ball in the Warren half.

“Our season has been inconsistent and we’ve had some incredible games — beating Titusville 5-1, and some real struggles, Warren, Franklin,” added Taylor. “I have a very young team and have added eight freshmen who hopefully have learned a lot and will come back stronger next year.”