Jim Walker
jim.walker@irontontribune.com

McDERMOTT — First, the St. Joseph Flyers were down a couple of players. Next, they got down a couple of goals.
The Flyers refused to roll over and battle back, but their efforts fell just short as they lost 2-1 to the Northwest Mohawks on Wednesday in the Division III sectional finals.
Clay Willis was out with a concussion he suffered in the first tournament game on Saturday and then Izack Unger went down early in the first half against Northwest and did not return.
“We started slow the first half and gave up two goals. Our kids were sluggish and appeared out of sync. We were playing without two starters and it appeared to bother us,” said Flyers’ coach Mike Balestra.
“But in the second half the team rose to the challenge. They played hard, smart and together. Holding Northwest scoreless and putting one in the net to close the gap was big. They left it all on the field. A coach couldn’t ask for a better effort.”
Zac McGraw scored the Flyers’ goal in the second half. Tyler Webb and Damien Williams got the Northwest goals.
Goalkeeper Bradley Rist had 10 saves for the Flyers. Zach Smith had six saves for the Mohawks.
St. Joseph had 16 shots, two corner kicks, 10 fouls and one offside penalty.
Northwest had 20 shots, three corner kicks, five fouls and one offside penalty.
The Flyers finished the season with an impressive 13-4-1 record.
“This is a good team and their effort showed it. They should be proud of what they accomplished this season. It was an honor for Al Bush and myself to coach these kids. It was a great season,” said Balestra.