Wednesday was another big day for Taft sports as all three teams in tournament action advanced to the next round of play. Congratulations to the field hockey, boys soccer, and volleyball teams for their quarterfinal successes! These teams, along with Big Red football, continue their tournament runs this Saturday, November 19.
Field Hockey
Taft defeated Nobles in the quarter-final round of the New England Tournament. Despite strong play by Nobles in the first quarter, Taft pushed hard and walked away with a 1-0 win, and a ticket to the semi-finals. Saturday's semi-final round, which begins at noon, pits five seed Taft against perennial rival and number one seed Hotchkiss. Taft will host both of the field hockey semifinal games as well as the finals on Sunday morning, November 20.
#1 Hotchkiss vs. #5 Taft, 12:00 noon
#2 Greenwich vs. #3 Westminster, 2:00 p.m.
Finals Sunday at Taft, 11:00 a.m.
Football
It has been a great year for Taft football as the Rhinos wrap up their regular season play with a perfect record of 7-0. Taft hopes to carry that momentum into the Norm Walker Bowl on their home field this Saturday, November 19 at 1:45 p.m. when they meet the undefeated Kent School Lions. The teams are currently co-owners of the Erickson League title; the winner of Saturday's game will be crowned New England Champion.
This has been a season of crushing offense and strong defense for Taft. The Rhinos never scored fewer than 37 points in a single game this season and held their opponents to an average of 16 points per game. The Kent Lions have been equally dominant, averaging 42 points per game, and holding their opponents to an average of 14 points. The two teams did not meet in regular season play this year, as their game was cancelled due to the unusual October snow storm. This promises to be a spectacular match-up of two football Titans!
Taft vs. Kent at Taft, 1:45 p.m. for the title
Boys Soccer
A little rain was no deterrent for the Rhinos on Wednesday as the boys soccer team defeated Worcester Academy 4-1 in the quarter-final round of tournament play. Taft started the game strong, quickly establishing a sharp passing game and an eagerness to get forward. That momentum -- and the support of the great Taft fans -- carried the three seed boys to victory over six seed Worcester. Play continues with the semis on Saturday, beginning at 2:00 p.m. when Taft meets two seed Hotchkiss (at Hotchkiss) in this important round; finals are at Northfield Mount Herman Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
#3 Boys Soccer at #2 Hotchkiss, 2:00 p.m.
Finals Sunday at NMH, 1:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Five seed Taft blanked number four Northfield Mount Herman to advance to the semi-finals on the road Wednesday. The team travels to Wallingford on Saturday, where they will face one seed Choate.
#5 Taft at #1 Choate, 2:00 p.m.
Finals are 30 minutes after the semifinal games.
COME OUT! WEAR RED! MAKE NOISE!
GO RHINOS!