By Greg Billing for the Dayton Daily News

With that in mind, this year's group looks to add to Northmont's legacy. The T-Bolts (7-2) have already matched their win totals from both 2003 and '04 following Tuesday's 2-0 win over Wayne. A tough schedule also prepares them for the rigors of the Division I tournament and a potential trip to the district final, a spot they haven't reached since going three straight times from 2000-02.

"We have a very talented group and if they all play together as a team, this team can go very far," said Northmont coach Mark Spirk.

Northmont, ranked No. 3 in D-I of the Miami Valley Soccer Coaches poll, had another test on Thursday. Northmont hosted Cincinnati St. Xavier, ranked No. 10 in the state poll.

"We know they're a good team, they have good size and good speed," Spirk said following Tuesday's win. "We want to see how we stack up against teams with that kind of talent."

So far among area competition the T-Bolts have piled up some wins. Eight teams ranked in the area coaches poll are on Northmont's schedule. The T-Bolts are 4-2 so far. And those two losses came to state-ranked Centerville (1-0) and state-ranked Fairmont (2-1).

Senior sweeper Jimmy Borda and senior keeper Nick Sluterbeck (0.6 goals-against average) have keyed a defense that was outscoring opponents 27-7 (entering the St. Xavier game) and had shut out its last two opponents. Senior forward Matt Spirk and senior midfielders Josh Orahood and Jonathon Wightman have paced the offense.

"We're scoring a lot of goals from a lot of different players," Spirk said. "It's not like you can mark up one or two guys and shut down our offense. We're playing good team defense all over the field. ... (Borda) is really playing solid in the back. He's consistent game in and game out. (Orahood and Wightman) are both doing a good job controlling midfield."

Spirk hopes his T-Bolts can keep it going both in Greater Western Ohio Conference play and in the tournament. Northmont trails Troy by a half-game in the GWOC Western Division and still has key games with both Troy and Sidney remaining.

Soccer showdown: Centerville gets to see how difficult winning the D-I state title could be on Saturday. The Elks host defending champs Cleveland St. Ignatius - ranked No. 1 in the country by the NSCAA/adidas poll and No. 1 in the state - 3 p.m. at Magsig Middle School.

The Wildcats (8-0) return 12 seniors, including six starters from the title team. They have outscored opponents 29-2 this season, allowing goals to Hudson and Westerville North.

Centerville (8-0) has outscored opponents 32-1. The only team to score on them - Westerville North - did so on a penalty kick.

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