Starr’s Mill beats Northgate to begin region play

Senior+Ricardo+Leacock+attempts+to+gain+possession+from+a+Northgate+player.+Starr%E2%80%99s+Mill+came+out+of+the+first+region+game+of+the+season+with+a+win.

Craig Bardo

Senior Ricardo Leacock attempts to gain possession from a Northgate player. Starr’s Mill came out of the first region game of the season with a win.

Drew McCarthy, Staff Writer
March 8, 2022

Region play started Tuesday night as Starr’s Mill celebrated nine seniors with a 3-1 win over Northgate.

“These are statement games for us,” head coach Aaron Buck said.

Starr’s Mill goalie Marcelo Quinones-Vilela poses with his parents for senior night prior to the game. Quinones-Vilela was one of nine senior boys recognized. (Craig Bardo)

Seniors Ricardo Leacock and Braden Brownell, and junior Camilo Velez each scored a goal in the victory. Matt Pickford was the lone goal scorer for Northgate.

“This is our first game with a healthy squad and we are already looking a lot better,” Brownell said.

“They did a great job tonight,” Buck said.

The first few minutes of the game were action packed. Starr’s Mill got on the board in the first two minutes with a goal by Leacock. Northgate responded with a goal one minute later. 

“[Seniors] play a key role by giving spirit to the team and helping the younger players feel more comfortable,” Leacock said.

Starr’s Mill took the lead with a goal by Senior Braden Brownell in the 37th minute. 

Junior Camilo Velez added to the Panther lead in the 57th minute, sealing the 3-1 win.

The team traveled to Whitewater Friday night and lost 2-1 in penalty kicks (4-2). The Panthers do not play at home again until March 25 on Teacher Appreciation Night.