Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Keizertimes. (Salem, Or.) 1979-current | View Entire Issue (March 5, 2021)
PAGE A12, KEIZERTIMES, MARCH 5, 2021 KEIZERTIMES.COM McCarty fi nally gets his opportunity with McNary KEIZERTIMES/Matt Rawlings McNary midfi elder Nic Heath dribbles past a North Salem player in the Celtics 2-0 victory on Monday, March 1. Celts defeat North Salem in fi rst COVID-19-era contest BY MATT RAWLINGS to play the game they love with Of the Keizertimes their friends and teammates. “It feels like we're alive. Even For an entire calendar year, though you couldn't see their McNary High School did not faces through the host a sporting masks, the kids event due to were smiling the COVID-19 “ Even though and so joyous to pandemic. you couldn’t be out there. It However, that see their faces gave us a sense streak fi nally of normality,” came to an end through the McNary head on Monday, masks, the kids coach Miguel March 1. Camarena said. Nic Heath were smiling “It's just nice and Eddie to be out here Martinez each and so joyous with ev- notched goals to be out there.” playing erybody,” Heath in the fi rst half as the McNary — Miguel Camarena, added. The Celtics boys' soccer McNary head coach missed on a few team took opportunities down North to score in the Salem by a fi rst 15 minutes of the contest, score of 2-0. But what was more important to the kids was including whiffi ng on a point- blank shot with the keeper out not the fi nal score, it was that they once again got the chance of position. But in the 18th minute, McNary executed a beautiful set-piece for the fi rst goal of the season. Manuel Avendano was awarded a free-kick 40 yards away from the net and sent a high ball into the middle of the box. Eli Petilo was able to elevate over the crowd to get the fi rst touch by heading the ball to his right. Martinez got in position to play the touch, torqued his head as he leapt in the air and sent a header unto the upper left- hand corner of the net for the score. “I saw the ball coming in after Eli got a hit on it, so I jumped and got the header on it. It felt good to score the fi rst goal,” Heath said. North Salem, on the other hand, didn't get their fi rst shot-on-goal until the 22nd Please see CELTS, Page A11 BY MATT RAWLINGS Of the Keizertimes At 5-foot-9, 175 lbs, McNary quarterback Jack McCarty isn’t going to wow anyone with his physical presence. But, despite his stature, those that have seen the arm talent of the senior signal-caller know that Mc- Carty can sling it with the best of them. “Jack has gotten more and more athletic and his arm strength is impressive. He has great range down- fi eld and throws the deep ball with great touch, but he can also throw a rifl e when he needs to and he can read a defense pretty well,” McNary head coach Jeff Auvinen said. McCarty admitted that being small gives him a chip on his shoulder, but he also believes that his lack of size has helped him develop a better competitive mentality. “I really think being un- dersized gives me an edge. I have been one of the smaller his chance to shine in 2020. kids ever since I was in third The COVID-19 pandemic, grade, so I am used to trying however, had other plans. “I’ve been training to be to prove myself. If I were six in this spot for a long time, feet or over, I don’t know if I would be as good. My size but when COVID came I didn’t really forces me to know what have to work was going to harder,” Mc- “ I just wanted happen,” Mc- Carty said. whatever we Carty said. Despite With the being a stand- could get. As season being out on the in limbo, McNary JV long as we are McCarty team, McCa- getting full- still wanted rty has had himself and to wait in the contact, actual his squad to wings behind football, I will be prepared, Erik Barker which is why — a three- take it.” the quarter- year starting quarterback — Jack McCarty, back started McNary quarterback organizing for McNary get-togethers who signed to at the fi eld play with the with his teammates. University of Montana last “When all this went winter — for the last two down he was organizing years. bringing kids to the fi eld After the 2019 season to do workouts and throw ended, McCarty thought routes. He took that on that he would fi nally get himself,” Auvinen said. “He is the epitome of what we like as a student-athlete. He is a great kid, a great student and a great leader.” McCarty knows that leadership is a natural quali- ty of being a good quarter- back, and he is embracing it to the best of his ability. “Being a leader is some- thing I am defi nitely taking pride in,” McCarty said. “I was just trying to remain optimistic and help get guys prepared and ready to go.” Even when the OSAA announced in August that the fall football season would be delayed Submitted After being a backup for two seasons Jack McCarty is prepared to take the reins at the Celtics starting quarterback. Please see JACK, Page A10