Blue Devils meet challenge of Rocks’ physical style, stay undefeated in WB6 play

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys soccer team retaliated the way it should.

The Blue Devils locked down.

Tasked with handling Rock Island’s physical style in Tuesday night’s Western Big 6 Conference game, QHS parlayed Carter Venvertloh’s goal two minutes into the second half and two critical saves by goalkeeper Lucas Shepherd in the final 20 minutes into a 1-0 victory at Flinn Stadium.

More importantly, the Blue Devils did so without getting overly physical or retaliative in the process.

“Our kids stayed composed and handled it,” QHS coach Ron Bridal said. “I was proud of our composure.”

The Blue Devils (4-1, 2-0 WB6) snared the lead when Boen Brockmiller swung a corner kick from the left into the box, enabling Venvertloh to win it in the air and drive home a header for a 1-0 lead.

“We had already had a corner and been down their throat,” Bridal said. “Boen whipped a good ball in. Carter attacked near post and headed it home. It was a good ball by Boen and an even better finish by Carter.”

The rest was up to the defense. Shepherd, a junior, made two crucial stops, snuffing out a breakaway and making the save on a point-blank shot with less than 10 minutes to play.

“Lucas was a stud tonight for us,” Bridal said. “We’ve seen those glimpses. He has the ability to make some really great point-blank saves. He’s just developing more and growing in confidence.”