By Greg Billing for the Dayton Daily News

CENTERVILLE | There are two things Portsmouth, England, native Jason Kercher hasn't lost despite growing up in the United States: His accent and his affection for goal-scoring celebrations.

Kercher, a junior forward for the Centerville Elks, improvised after he scored both goals in Centerville's 2-0 win over Alter on Thursday.

The win marked the first time in four seasons the rivalry didn't end in a tie. Alter (3-1-2) had several quality scoring chances, but good defense and an excellent deflection late by keeper Owen LeVelle preserved the Elks' sixth straight shutout.

Much like his goals — both off assists from junior Jeff Cronley — Kercher's celebrations "just came to me."

Kercher deflated Alter with his first score 10 seconds before the half. He took Cronley's cross and sent it right as Alter keeper Evan Winkofsky's momentum carried him left. Kercher then did a dance around the corner flag before his teammates mobbed him.

"That was a great boost," said Kercher, adding he's friends with and has played club soccer with practically half of the Alter roster. "I was really excited to get that goal. It meant everything to me."

Centerville (7-0) made it 2-0 with 33:09 remaining. Kercher's kick near the top of the box bounced off the right post and into the goal past a diving Winkofsky. That prompted a jubilant, arm-thrusting slide on his knees.

Though plenty of time remained, the second goal made it especially difficult for the Knights to recover. The Elks have outscored opponents 31-1. And that one goal came in the first game on a penalty kick.

"For some reason we don't start playing until we get behind," Alter coach Bob Ellis said of another sluggish beginning that saw Centerville control midfield. "We don't quit. We just have problems getting ahead."

The game marked the Knights' second against a state-ranked opponent. Alter tied Fairmont 2-2 last Saturday when the Firebirds scored with just 13 seconds left.

For Centerville — ranked No. 7 in the Division I state poll — it was a good test with top-ranked Cleveland St. Ignatius, also ranked No. 1 in two national polls, and No. 3 Fairmont looming.

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