Frustrating season continues for Rams
CHnWrDO BuFNV :HVW’V -RHO Klapper connected on his third goal of a 4-1 win over Pennridge on Tuesday in the finDO PLnuWH RI SODy. BuW WKH Rams were dejected long before the Bucks (7-7, 5-6) and Klapper came to Helman Field.
(YHn DIWHr MunLRr -uVWLn Moldovanyi scored in the 27th minute to open the scoring, the Rams were playing with some doubt. Inevitably teams have found a way to rally past the Rams (3-111, 3-8-0) and they have not been able to generate enough offense to compete in the Suburban One Continental Conference.
“We had so many opportunities this season to be in a playoff position,” Rams’ coach Peter salimont said. “We do not take care of those chances. We have struggled scoring goals all year and in the Continental Conference one goal is not going to be enough.”
The frustrating feeling is starting to overwhelm any feelings of optimism they have retained throughout the subpar season. The Rams believe they have the talent to be a playoff team this season, but with reality setting in of those odds decreasing with every game, seniors VWrLYH WR finG VRPHWKLng WR play over the last weeks.
“We have talent and a good roster,” salimont said. “Our younger guys are doing a great job. But once you start to lose games, it seems it has become satisfactory. They say they are not satLVfiHG, EuW wH VWLOO nHHG WR SrRYH LW Rn WKH fiHOG.”
Whether the Rams know it or not, their coach is able to empathize with his current team’s position. When salimont played for the Rams they made it to the program’s only state playoff appearance during his junior season. In his senior season they lost more games than they won and salimont personally dealt with same frustrations his team battles today.
“It comes down to the want,” salimont said. “My assistant coach and I both played at Pennridge and to see this is frustrating. It was
frustrating during my senior year.”
“A few years ago we had guys like (Kevin) Bailey and Dan (Caya) that would not accept a 4-1 loss. I thought seeing those guys win would help this group. Some young guys are doing what they can, like freshman Dylan Henry, and hopefully they can step up, become a leader, and by sophomore or junior season be an all-leaguer.”
Valimont’s prior experiences and pride for Pennridge keeps him plugging away on the sidelines, trying to get his player’s in the best position to succeed for the remainder of the season, next year, and beyond.
“The seniors are frustrated because they are going to be done in two weeks,” Valimont said. “I never want to say let’s get ready for next year.”