By MICHAEL PRUNKA

Standard Laconic

 

SNOW HILL — Multi-goal efforts from Greyson Schmitt and Rob Zerniak were more than enough for Washington to overwhelm Greene Central in the latter half of the home-and-home series between the two sides.

The Pam Pack’s pace and ability to move the ball quickly allowed them to coast to a 6-0 win and improve on their perfect start to the season. Senior Kyle Hodges drew first blood just three minutes into the game when he received a through ball out of the midfield. He was able to chip a ball by Ram goalkeeper Eric Valencia.

The game plan worked out about as well as Pam Pack coach Jim Kozuch could have wanted. His squad dominated possession throughout most of the game and kept up the offensive pressure throughout.

“First thing first, we try to get possession,” Kozuch said. “It took us a little while to get to it. We haven’t seen a lot of great competition, but these guys have a nice rivalry. Some of the boys know each other.

“Greene Central gave us a run early on. They played tough defense on us. Eventually when we got control and got possession, we’re very confident in our offense.”

Washington did not sit back on its early, one-goal lead. Hodges nearly doubled the lead minutes later via a cross, but could not get a good touch on the ball and Valencia smothered the opportunity.

Zerniak added to the Pam Pack’s lead in the 14th minute. He was able to get a head on a ball lobbed into the box on a throw in — a go-to set piece for Washington.

“We really wanted to take away the long throw-ins that they utilize so well,” said Rams coach Nicholas Sullivan. “They scored on, I want to say three or four of those last game. We worked hard to fix the mistakes, but there were unfortunately too many on the scoreboard. We made six mistakes today.”

It looked like the Rams would only have to face a two-goal deficit coming out of the first half. That was the case until Schmitt scored his first of the game late in the first half. He went in against Valencia, who came out of goal and aggressively played the ball. He could not handle it and Schmitt easily finished.

Greene Central’s defense came together in the second half, but Washington still added three more goals. Freddy Jimenez headed in a goal off a free kick while Schmitt and Zerniak each scored their second of the match.

The Rams had multiple chances to get on the board. Many of their chances were off target, though. They put plenty of pressure on in the final 20 minutes and came close.

Pam Pack keeper William Tate did his part to keep the clean sheet. He had his fair share of saves, including an impressive one on Adrian Graciano’s shot from the right side of the box.

“We had some chances and that’s just a testament to how good our players are. We didn’t run the offense well at all and that’s why there are zeroes on the home side. We really executed poorly offensively all day.”

Washington previously beat Greene Central 7-0 on Thursday.

Sullivan scheduled the Pam Pack because of the strength of the team. He hopes it will prepare his team for what they will face when conference play begins Sept. 28 at Ayden-Grifton.

“Jim has coached them really well. He’s got a team that’s disciplined and they play great. They’re quite possibly the toughest 2A team in the whole eastern side of the state. That’s why we really wanted them on the schedule. If you want to be the best, you’ve got to beat the best … We want to elevate ourselves to play at that level.”

Greene Central hosts Farmville Central on Sept. 26. The Rams travel to Tarboro on Thursday and return home to play North Pitt on Monday.