Central Bucks East soccer enjoys strong leaders
By Keith Pompey
Inquirer Staff Writer
All the great teams have them.
Extensions of the coaching staff, they are always available to offer support. Yet, they will voice their displeasure at teammates when need be.
They are the backbones of their teams.
Seniors Sean Peckham and Mike Whitaker fit that label for the Central Bucks East boys' soccer team.
"Individually, you are talking about Michael Whitaker being" fast and strong, coach Mike Gorni said of the standout central defender. "He also does all the thankless jobs."
While Whitaker is doing that, Peckham orchestrates things from his central midfield position.
"Sean will be missed [next year], because he makes every single player on our team better," Gorni said. "He doesn't make a fuss. He's just real quiet and effective."
The two are a major reason why the Patriots are ranked third in Southeastern Pennsylvania by The Inquirer. And their selfless and valuable play have a lot to do with their team advancing to the PIAA Class AAA state tournament for the second consecutive season.
Peckham, a Lafayette recruit, took 11 goals and 15 assists into yesterday's District 1 Class AAA semifinal against Downingtown West. Whitaker, a Pittsburgh commit, had three goals despite playing from the back line. |
