Bulls knock off Riverview in 4 OTs

By Jeremy Rasmussen
Published Feb. 6, 1999 in the St. Petersburg Times

BRANDON – It took four overtime periods, but Bloomingdale finally got a break to knock off Sarasota Riverview 2-1 in Friday’s Class 6A, District 6 final.

With 1:58 to play before the game went to a penalty kick shootout, Bloomingdale sweeper Casey Stump came forward to take a free kick from the top of the penalty box.

Stump’s low, hard shot deflected off teammate Chaz Richard and into the net for the game-winner.

Up to that point, the Bulls (22-1-3) had their hands full against the big, physical defense of the Rams (16-4-3).

"To lose on a deflected shot in four overtimes is nothing to hang our heads over," Riverview coach Paul Orth said. "We can play with anybody. Nobody is going to score a lot of goals on us."

Anchored by stellar fullbacks Billy Angers and Michael Skinner, the Rams withstood waves of Bloomingdale attacks and did well to control the game in the air.

"I think we would have fared better if we’d kept it on the ground, controlled it, and tried to get our backs involved more," Bulls coach Dave Tennian said.

After a scoreless and evenly fought first half, the Rams drew first blood as Dan Zack flicked in a long throw-in from Ryan Orth in the 59th minute.

Bloomingdale struck back quickly as Mike Heldreth headed in a throw-in from Justin Dethier a minute later.

In the first overtime, Riverview’s Jeff Demirijian got open in the box, but his point-blank shot was saved by Bloomingdale keeper Chris Kennedy. Demirijian scored the game-winner in Riverview’s 1-0 semifinal win over Manatee, but he was unable to convert on several breakaway chances Friday.

"We’ve done a good job of playing to the level of who we’re playing," Tennian said. "We need to take it to the next level where we dictate the play."

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