Mewhinney hat trick leads Independence to 8-1 win over Brooklyn

It took Independence some time to score its first goal against a scrappy Brooklyn team on Thursday but once the Blue Devils broke through the goals came in bunches.

Independence won 8-1 to improve its record to 11-0-2.

“Once we settled the ball and started moving it around the field we found more opportunities to score,” said Independence coach Ryan MacRaild. “The chances came a little easier once we got into our rhythm. By the middle of the second half, we were able to sub out a few seniors and give them the recognition they deserved on Senior Night, while a few others rode it out to preserve the lead.”

Kevin Mewhinney scored three goals to lead the Blue Devils. Wyatt Kunevicius contributed with a pair of goals and Sam Belitz, Christian Seif and Evan Collins all had one. Collins assisted on two goals and Mewhinney, Belitz and Nolan Fields all had one assist.

“After a rough start, we really got it together and got into the rhythm of the game,” MacRaild said. “Brooklyn's record does not show the grit and pressure they play with. They have a few dangerous players that can make you regret your mistakes.”

The Blue Devils host Division III district rival Oberlin on Saturday.

“They are a solid team with some good skill players and the ability to score from anywhere on the field,” MacRaild said. “It will be a good tune up for playoffs starting on Oct. 19.”
 

Steve Hare
Steve Harehttp://www.ohiovarsity.com
Steve Hare is the Chagrin Valley Conference's Sports Information Director. He also created and publishes OhioVarsity.com, an online publication dedicated to providing hyperlocal coverage to area high school athletic programs. Hare began covering high school sports for the Lake County News Herald in 1997. Hare attended Willoughby South High School through the middle of his senior year, then graduated from Berkshire High School in Burton in 1986. He played football, wrestled and was an all-Geauga county baseball player (1986). He lives in Chardon with his wife Paulette and their children.

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