As Brady Fischer approached the sideline 10 minutes before halftime, he was showered with praise by teammates who marveled at his most recent goal and what it meant for this match.
With a befuddled expression, Fischer turned to the group and shrugged. It was like Michael Jordan’s famous gesture in the 1992 NBA Finals, after draining a 3-pointer during a scorching first half.
Fischer, too, was hot and had scored on a long shot, lining it from 30 yards to give Rhinebeck a cushion against its rival in the 23rd minute. But the sentiment behind his shrug was a little different.
“I didn’t understand why the guys were making a big deal of it,” the junior said of his two early goals being celebrated. “The game wasn’t over. I’m only satisfied once the final whistle blows.”
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By the time it sounded, several observers might’ve also shrugged — in disbelief at how the Hawks so thoroughly dominated an opponent as good.
Fischer and Parker Ruger each scored twice in the first half and the defense contained an explosive team as Rhinebeck beat host Spackenkill, 7-1, Monday under a downpour of rain.
“We were excited to play them, as usual, because they’re always an excellent team,” Hawks coach Justin Wiesenthal said of Spackenkill, which also is a title contender in Section 9. “For us to finish as many of our opportunities, that’s a great morale boost.”
Rhinebeck has gotten the better of this league rivalry, but the teams’ previous four meetings all were taut, one-goal games. As well, the Spartans entered this matchup having won its first four games this season by an average margin of 5.75 goals.
“This is one of those games we really look forward to in the regular season,” Fischer said. “We know they’re a good test.”
The Hawks, in that case, deserve a shiny sticker.
Granted, Spackenkill didn’t perform to its potential and, perhaps, lost some momentum after blanking on two up-close scoring chances in the first eight minutes. But Rhinebeck immediately took control, creating fast breaks and capitalizing to pull away.
Aiden Prezzano had a goal and three assists, and Nate Strassburger scored twice in the second half. Nash Roberts added an assist and Luke Butler made seven saves for Rhinebeck (4-0).
Ruger scored 4:47 into the game, gathering the ball near the left post and firing into the near corner. Fischer followed five minutes later, taking a pass from Prezzano and burying it inside the left post.
“They’re good at working with each other,” Wiesenthal said of his team moving the ball well, despite the conditions. “Getting to play on (Spackenkill’s) turf field was definitely a benefit in this weather.”
Dylan Updike put the Spartans on the board in the 18th minute, finishing a penalty kick. Spackenkill did maintain possession for some extended stretches and was aggressive inside the 30, but Rhinebeck withstood that charge.
Two defensive saves and Butler’s diving stop of a put-back attempt 3:41 before halftime were among the highlights.
“The talent is there,” senior Bodhi Binetti said of the defense. “It’s all about communication with my other defenders, knowing when to step up or drop back. We did a good job as a group.”
Which is to be expected. Rhinebeck has allowed only three goals so far this season, and its back line was a strength last season en route to winning a fifth Section 9 Class C title in six seasons.
The team returned several core players, including Prezzano and Alexander Binnie, and they’re benefiting now from the emergence of Ruger and Fischer as offensive weapons.
Rhinebeck, as always, carries high expectations, from observers and within. The Hawks’ season ended last fall with a 2-1 loss to eventual state champion Haldane in a subregional. That, players said, left a lingering bitterness and it’s what has driven them since the offseason.
It’s why, Fischer said, their focus must remain on what’s ahead, no matter how impressive the present is.
“It does gives us more confidence,” Binetti said of securing a lopsided victory. “But we’ve still got a lot to work on and a lot of games left.”
So, essentially, shrug it off.
Stephen Haynes: [email protected]; 845-437-4826; Twitter: @StephenHaynes4
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