Class 2A No. 7 Perry struck for five goals in the second half Thursday to blank Carroll, 5-0, at Dewey Field. The win put the finishing touches on the third consecutive unbeaten Raccoon River Conference crown for Perry (12-3, 7-0).
Perry is 27-1 in RRC play in the past four years with the three titles. The Bluejays have won four of the last seven league titles and have been the outright champion or shared the RRC crown eight times in 12 seasons.
“The first half we controlled the ball and we moved the ball beautifully in the back and in the midfield, but we simply were unable to finish in the final third of the field,” Perry head coach Gary Overla said. “I think this was a game where the residual effect of the Adel game (a 2-1 Perry win at No. 10 ADM Tuesday) had not yet worn off and we weren’t as focused as we should have been. We simply could not finish in the first half.”
Senior Jesus Rodriguez broke the scoring drought off a Mikey Velasco assist in the 43rd minute for the only goal the host would need over a game, but overmatched, Carroll (3-10, 1-4) squad.
“The second half was a little better as we scored early and were able to keep the ball in front of their goal for almost the entirety of the rest of the game,” Overla remarked. “I honestly think our goalie may have touched the ball a half-dozen times and a majority of those balls were played back to him by our defense. All-in-all it was a good win, but we know we can play better.”
Anthony Velasco beat the keeper off a German Alvarenga assist for a 2-0 Perry lead in the 59th minute. The goal was the fifth of the campaign for Velasco.
Perry’s constant possession deep in Carroll territory congested the open space in the Tiger defense, but despite the traffic in front of the net Rodriguez managed to find the nylon for the 19th time this season in the 69th minute.
Moses Tellez struck twice in less than two minutes, capping the scoring with goals in the 78th and 79th minute of play, raising his season total to five.
“We need to put our nose to the grindstone and keep working,” Overla said. “We have a solid test Monday when we play a Des Moines Lincoln team who is currently 10-3. We finish the regular season and Pella on Thursday and hsot the rounds two and three of substate the following week. Hopefully we will see our way into that championship game May 27.”
