Sikeston goalie gets postseason honor

~Bulldog senior is named to Class 2 second team

SIKESTON -- Throughout the entire soccer season, Sikeston goalkeeper Scott Droddy hauled in shot after shot. Now he's just hauling in post season honors.

This week, the senior was named to the Class 2 All-State second team, capping off a fine career that leaves him tops in career saves in Missouri.

"I really wasn't expecting it with the record (8-15-1) we had," Droddy said. "I thought I had a pretty good showing in districts and I made honorable mention last year. I thought it would be glad to have that but second team is a big step up and I'm really excited about that."

Sikeston soccer coach Derrick Long said he was happy for Droddy especially with the tough season the Bulldogs experienced.

"I know it was hard on his teammates because they were really wanting to have a good year for him because he definitely has the numbers and the talent to make the first team," Long said. " I thought it was well-deserved, especially with him sharing it with Ryan Bass, Notre Dame's goalkeeper, because they are both outstanding goalkeepers, especially in this area."

While the Bulldogs were young this season, Long said Droddy not only excelled in goal but also in his leadership.

"He knew going in we were young and were going to be an inexperienced team," Long said. "He led everybody everyday in practice and pushed the kids to work even harder."

Droddy said he is looking into playing both soccer and baseball in college, but nothing is definite yet.

"Right now it is kind of open," Droddy said. "I am talking to the Hannibal LaGrange soccer coach and talking about trying out for them and then maybe I could play baseball for them too."

No matter where Droddy ends up next year, it will leave a big hole in goal for the Bulldogs.

"He has kind of raised the bar for us, especially with what I'll be looking for in a goalkeeper," Long said. "He's just the kind of guy that you want 11 of them on the field because he will do whatever he can to help the team. He's going to be sorely missed here."