Jackson’s Ben Burgess is paving the way for soccer greatness
MASSILLON, Ohio – The Jackson Polar Bears varsity boys soccer team of Massillon, Ohio are having a soccer season to remember. After defeating Division I powerhouse Hunting Valley University School on Nov. 3rd, Jackson is moving on to play for the Division I regional championship. Their rise to the top of the totem pole is due in part to the play of senior defender, Ben Burgess.
Normally playing the defender position, Burgess was relied upon to score the winning goal in double overtime. All season long, Burgess has led the Polar Bear defense to be a stifling and goal stopping force to be reckoned with. Burgess’ late minute heroics came just a few days after a massive assist in the regional quarterfinal to seal a victory for the Polar Bears. He might be a star defender by trade, but he’s making a name for himself on the offensive end.
His assist on Oct. 30 came late in the first half of play and gave the Polar Bears a lead that they never gave up. The victory ended up giving Jackson a Federal League championship as they defeated the Lake boys soccer team to win the title. Just a few short days later, Burgess came up big again. The game went into double overtime with both teams struggling to even get shot attempts on goal.
In total, University School, who came into the game with a record of 15-2-2, only got off four shots on goal which were all successfully defended by Jackson. Jackson, on the other hand, had only gotten two shots off on goal, both missing, until Ben Burgess stepped up late. With 5 ½ minutes left in the second overtime, Burgess was awarded a free kick. Tension was high for Burgess, who’d been dreaming of a chance like this his entire life. From just outside the box, Burgess was able to sneak his kick by University goalie, Sam Matthews.
The winning kick gave Jackson a total record of 14-2-4 and a chance to compete for the regional championship. Burgess had some words to share after his winning kick in the semifinal win against University. “I knew I hit it well, it felt good off my foot. I felt like it was going to go in and I just started running. It’s the best moment of my high school career so far.”
A game-winning kick like that one would be the pinnacle of most high school athletes, but could more be in store for Burgess and the Polar Bears. They have a chance to win the 2021 regional championship and Burgess aims to be a big part of their title run.
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