2000 Senior Soccer Challenge

By JEREMY RASMUSSEN
Times Correspondent

TAMPA - Last Saturday, Gaither seniors Dane Fernandez and Jeff Bourguignon were leading their team to a Class 4A state championship. This Saturday, they will lace up their cleats one last time as they lead Team Hillsborough in the seventh annual Senior Soccer Challenge.

The Challenge pits the senior all-stars from Hillsborough County versus Pinellas County in boys and girls games. Organizer Frank Ferguson created the Challenge in 1993 when his son was a senior at Largo and said attendance has grown each year.

“We’re probably going to have a packed house again,’’ Ferguson said. “This is all about these kids really wanting to come out and play one more game. It’s that one last chance to get out there and make a good showing.’’

This year’s event is at Clearwater Central Catholic (2750 Haines Bayshore Road). The girls kick off at 6 p.m. and the boys at 8.

Two years ago, the Pinellas boys edged Hillsborough 5-4 on a late goal by Largo’s Russell Vreeland. Last year, Team Hillsborough won 3-2 in an MLS-style shootout in which Gaither goalie Antony Roca stopped three shots and was named MVP. In the history of the Challenge, the Hillsborough boys have a 4-2-0 edge over Pinellas, and the Hillsborough girls are 3-2-1.

On paper, this year’s Challenge appears to be an even match-up. The Hillsborough boys have plenty of offensive firepower with the likes of Bloomingdale’s Mario Lara and Brandon’s Rusty Roush. Durant goalie Blake Dickenson will anchor the defense. On the Pinellas side, Lakewood’s high-scoring Chris Brown and CCC’s playmaking Fern Bleichner should provide stiff competition.

“We've got a good core of kids. We’re just trying to find the right combination on the field, and substituting is a challenge. All of these kids are used to playing the whole game,’’ Brandon coach Allen Ware said. He and Wharton coach Mike Rowan are coaching the Hillsborough boys. Durant's Dick Scheffield, and Blackwatch coaches Jim Cote and Kelvin Jones are coaching the Hillsborough girls.

Leading Hillsborough scorer Rob Daly (53 goals), who was unable to play in Jesuit’s 3-1 state final loss to Orlando Bishop Moore because of a deep thigh bruise, is still doubtful for Saturday. Defensively, however, Ware said that Jesuit sweeper Erol Belli will be a mainstay. “(Belli) seems like a rock back there. He’s a real field general,’’ Ware said of the University of Tampa signee.

In Team Hillsborough’s two scrimmages against local club teams, Lara has been the top scorer. He will likely team with Durant’s Jamin Hollingsworth up front. Fernandez and Sickles' Dustin Beach will be the other striker pair.

In the girls game, which Ferguson said has become “as aggressive and well-fought as the boys”, Chamberlain twins Dana and Diana Hemke will lead a talented Hillsborough team that also includes Durant’s Kellie Evans and Bloomingdale’s Christie Pollock. The Pinellas side features Katie Calvin and Bianca Spoto of state semifinalist CCC.