So far, so grand for unbeaten Vikes

By David Gurney, Sports Writer
   Even in a game where they trailed twice, at one point well into the second half, the South Brunswick High School boys soccer team could not be derailed.
   Things have been just that good lately.
   The Vikings came back with three consecutive goals, including the eventual game-winner by senior Brian Sichta off a feed from Brian Haydon, to claim a 4-2 decision over Woodbridge last week.
   The Vikings currently stand at 7-0-1 and atop the Red Division heading into Friday’s contest against J.P. Stevens.
   Outside of a scoreless tie with East Brunswick, the Vikings have gone unblemished, outscoring opponents 25-7 in eight games, an average of over three goals-per-contest offensively while allowing less than a goal-per-contest defensively. It’s a ratio that that more than pleases head coach Chris Hayston.
   ”I think our offense is playing real well — we’re averaging just over three goals a game, which is really good,” Hayston said. “We’ve played some tough teams and have played some tough defenses, but our offensive players are really stepping up. Defensively, we’ve done a nice job in terms of keeping ourselves in the game, and giving ourselves a chance to not only take over a game, but win it.
   ”The kids are playing hard, and are growing more confident with each win.”
   Not only is SBHS winning, but it’s winning decisively.
   All but two of their games (a tie with East Brunswick and 3-2 win over St. Joseph’s to start the year) have been decided by two goals or more. In fact, the Vikings posted four consecutive shutouts before having the streak broken by Woodbridge.
   As much as the defense has held its own, the offense has really stood out, thanks to the heroics of senior forward Walid Ahmed.
   Overshadowed by high-scorers Troy Confessore and Zach Zenda last year, Ahmed has stepped into the scoring vacancies left by the two and done more than his fair share. Ahmed leads the team in scoring with six goals and two assists.
   ”Walid (Ahmed) received some time last year, but was overshadowed a little by Zach (Zenda) and Troy (Confessore). He has stepped up this year, and has had a lot of opportunities to score. He has very good one-on one skill and has scored some nice goals. He is playing at a much higher level and his confidence is growing each game. Walid has always had the ability, but now it’s about him showing it.”
   Asked if he was surprised about the way Ahmed has played and the amount of goals he has scored, Hayston was surprised about the amount he has scored, but not about the way he has been able to step up at the forward spot.
   ”To be honest, we realized he had the ability from the beginning,” Hayston said. “In terms of finishing of late, it is a bit of a surprise, it’s not something he has done before. He has a strong skill set and ability, we’ve always known that. But to score six goals in eight games is impressive.”
   It’s important for Ahmed and the rest of the offense to continue the good vibrations as they finish up the second half of the GMC season. Looming on the horizon are six more divisional match-ups, including a return trip to East Brunswick in a game that will likely decide the division championship and have major GMCT seeding ramifications.
   ”East Brunswick is a game that we need to be prepared for,” Hayston said. “It’s their home field. You don’t want to look ahead, but we can’t act like we don’t know when we play them. It’ll be a great challenge. If you want to be a championship team, you have to go on the road and beat a team of that caliber.
   ”It won’t be easy, but it’s not supposed to be. Every title you have to earn.”