By Fred Kroner
Ethan Merritt’s sixth hat trick of the season enabled him to tie the all-time Oakwood/Salt Fork soccer record for goals in a season (31) on Thursday (Oct. 5) as the Comets blanked Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin at home, 9-0.
The win allowed Oakwood/Salt Fork to capture undisputed possession of the Vermilion Valley Conference crown for the second consecutive year. The Comets were 10-2 in league matches.
Merritt tied the program record for single-season goals, set by Grant Powell, who netted 31 goals in 2022.
Besides Merritt’s three goals, the team received two goals from both Jacob Pricer and Brody Taflinger as well as one apiece from Macen Phillips and Cooper Myers.
Brody Taflinger contributed assists on three goals. Jacon Taflinger had one assist as did teammates Saul Carrillo, Kaden McDaniel and Macen Phillips.
Jakob Rupp had one save.
The Comets held a 29-2 edge in total shot attempts.
Oakwood/Salt Fork (15-7-1 overall) has shut out 11 opponents this season and heads into the postseason as the No. 1 seed in the St. Anne Class 1A regional. The Comets’ opening regional match will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday (Oct. 14) in the semifinals against the winner of a match between eighth-seeded St. Anne and ninth-seeded Iroquois West.
