By Fred Kroner
Brody Taflinger had a goal and two assists on Thursday (Sept. 22) as Oakwood/Salt Fork clinched its first outright soccer championship in the Vermilion Valley Conference.
The Comets, held scoreless for the first 31 minutes, erupted late and earned a 7-1 win at Watseka.
It is the fourth time in the past seven years that Oakwood has captured at least a share of the VVC title.
Reef Pacot hit two goals and contributed one assist. Scoring one goal apiece for the Comets were Jacob Pricer, Grant Powell, Saul Carrillo and Daniel Betzwiser.
Powell dished out two assists and Ty Smoot contributed one.
Oakwood held a 22-7 edge in total shots. Comet goalkeeper Joshua Ruch secured two saves.
Oakwood (15-3-2) is 10-0 in VVC matches. The Comets return to action on Thursday (Sept. 29) at Georgetown-Ridge Farm.
For the season, seven Comets have tallied at least eight goals, led by Powell with 25. Five squad members have at least eight assists, again led by Powell with 21.
