Feb 8,
2001 - 11:42 AM
Hudson has double scoring threat
One player always has known he could score on anyone at any
time. It's always been known the other player could score, in any match and in
any situation. One confidently speaks of his abilities and those of his
teammates. The other is more politically correct, always saying the right
thing.
They have been friends for
years, yet only one let his full ability shine through.
The wait ended this season.
So did the hopes of most Hudson High opponents.
The one, Robert Pollock,
led the Cobras in scoring last season and again is putting up big numbers. The
other, Billy Boyko, finally kicked through his shell, dribbling through
opposing defenses and blasting his way to the head of the Pasco County scoring
list.
Both are big. Both are
fast. Both are lethal with a ball at their feet. Together, they are the Cobras'
best chance for a deep run into the playoffs. The pair of midfielders also are
Pasco County's best offensive combination.
``I imagine so,'' Pollock
said. ``I don't know who's better.''
Boyko's 25 goals and 20
assists give him a county-best 70 points. He had 13 goals last season. Pollock
leads the Cobras with 24 assists and has matched his sophomore total of 20
goals a season ago.
``Both are pretty good in
the air. Both are tall,'' Hudson coach Ron Ladimir said. ``Robert's more
physical, stronger than Billy. Both have tremendous skills. They're the key to
getting the offense going. The odds of them both playing a bad game - it's not
going to happen.''
Hudson's 20-6-1 record is
the school's best since the early 1990s, when Ladimir was an All- Conference
midfielder. He believes Boyko and Pollock are the Cobras' best offensive
tandem.
``Boyko attacks well. He's
got a strong shot,'' Land O' Lakes coach Mark Pearson said. ``Pollock is the
more skillful of the two. They work well together, Pollock being the better
skilled and Boyko the attacker. They're definitely a good combination.''
Pearson would know. The
pair shredded the Gators' defense in a Jan. 22 match as Hudson became one of
only two schools to score three goals against Land O' Lakes this season.
Trailing 2-1, Boyko took a
pass from Pollock and assisted Jarle Thy's goal. Pollock then found Boyko for a
breakaway in the penalty box, leading to a penalty kick and the third goal.
Pollock setting up Boyko
has been the biggest change from past years. The pair have played club soccer
together for seven years. Although he had the ability, Boyko was never a
scorer.
``We always knew he could
score,'' Pollock said. ``He never shot. Now we just tell him to shoot. Anything
around 18 feet could be given to him. He's always been good. This year's he's
coming out.''
Playing his senior season,
Boyko finally craved the spotlight.
``I just wanted to do
something,'' Boyko said. ``I wanted to make myself stand out. I've done good
with my opportunities. I think I'm holding onto the ball a little bit more,
which isn't necessarily a good thing.''
For Hudson, Boyko or
Pollock holding the ball is never a bad thing. The two hope to keep possession
long enough to set up a possible match against perennial power Bishop Moore in
the regional final.
``We just want to get to
Bishop Moore,'' Boyko said. ``That's what our goal is.''
For the first time, you can
see confidence in his eyes.