By By SCOTT NOVAK / Vigilant/Argus
Brett Gentry and Chris Hotrum both scored two goals on Saturday to lift the Edwardsburg soccer team to the Division 3 district championship.
It was the first title since 2001 for the Eddies.
"This means a lot. This is our goal each and every year," Edwardsburg coach Ryan Rosenkranz said. "Unfortunately, the last few years we ran into some really tough teams that advanced throughout districts and even into regionals. We fought through a little adversity on Monday and were able to put that behind us and move on."
Gentry, Hotrum and Zach Karamalegos all scored goals in the first half for the Eddies, who defeated Hartford 5-0 in the title match at Dowagiac Union High School.
Gentry scored six minutes into the match, while Hotrum made it a 2-0 advantage for Edwardsburg in the 23rd minute.
Karamalegos netted the third goal of the half with just over 10 minutes remaining to make it 3-0.
Hotrum extended the lead to 4-0 in the 64th minute, while Gentry scored again in the 68th minute to complete the scoring.
The Eddies held a 2-1 advantage in shots on goal (16-8).
Corey Johnson stopped seven shots for the Eddies, while Kyle Wright had three saves for the Indians.
Edwardsburg faced Grand Rapids South Christian on Wednesday at Otsego High School.
Lansing Catholic and South Haven played in the other regional semifinal.
The winners will play for the championship on Saturday.
Edwardsburg advanced to the finals with a 3-1 victory over Paw Paw in the semifinals on Wednesday (Oct. 15).
Hartford advanced to the championship match with a 5-2 victory over Berrien Springs.
Hotrum, Gentry and Max Habicht all scored goals for the Eddies in their semifinal victory.
Jeff Gowen picked up the lone assist.
Hartford…0
Edwardsburg…5
Halftime Score
Edwardsburg 3, Hartford 0
First Half
E – Brett Gentry 6th minute
E – Chris Hotrum 23rd minute
E – Zach Karamalegos 31st minute
Second Half
E – Hotrum 64th minute
E – Gentry 68th minute
Shots on Goal
Hartford – 8
Edwardsburg – 16
Saves
Hartford – 3 (Kyle Wright)
Edwardsburg – 7 (Corey Johnson)
Records
Hartford 12-3-2
Edwardsburg 16-4-1