After losing the first two games of the season, the Hawks have bounced back, winning eight straight before tying Episcopal Academy. The Hawks are 10-1-2 overall and 6-1 in Catholic League play.
The Prep has won some big league games this season, including a 2-1 defeat of Lansdale Catholic, a 3-2 victory over Cardinal O'Hara, and a two-goal decision over Archbishop Carroll. Those three wins came over a five-day span. But the fight for a league title is far from over, as the top four teams in the league are 6-1.
The Hawks are scheduled to face two of those teams this week. They played Father Judge to a 1-1 tie on Tuesday and will face La Salle (10-2 overall) on Thursday. Last season, the Explorers ended the Hawks' season, defeating them in the semifinals of the Catholic League playoffs.
"Our defense has been excellent all year. We've given up 11 goals in 13 games, less than a goal a game," Murray said. "Our defense has been our strength."
"Maybe we can click on offense now."
One member of the defense who really has impressed Murray is right back Chris Lee. It wasn't a foregone conclusion at the beginning of the season that Lee would be a starter. But Lee "worked his backside off," according to Murray, and now is a big part of the shutdown backline.
Goalkeeper Ryan Sandell also is having a solid season for the Hawks.
"Your goalie is not the sole defender, but he is the last man in and if he is having a good year, that gives the defenders in front of him an added level of confidence," Murray said.
"And vice-versa. The goalkeeper, to know he has very fine defenders in front of him gives him a level of confidence."
Murray hopes the win over Germantown Academy can ignite his squad's offense. Fifteen Hawks have scored goals in league play this season, but Murray would like to see more consistency.
Looking to rebound. After a tough loss last week to North Penn, Souderton seeks to rebound and stay in the hunt in the Suburban One League Continental Conference. The Indians (8-2-1 overall, 5-2-1 league) are third in the Continental with several tough league opponents left on their schedule.
After a season-opening five-game win streak, the Indians lost a close game to Central Bucks East. They then went on to win three more before falling to North Penn.
The Indians have an important matchup Oct. 15 against Central Bucks South, a team they played to a 0-0 tie last month. But for that game to mean something, the Indians must defeat league opponents Pennridge, C.B. West, and Hatboro-Horsham again. They also have another meeting with C.B. East scheduled for next Tuesday.
Look for senior goalkeeper Tyler Afflebach to be key for the Indians if Tom Quintois' squad is looking to make another run in the postseason.
A two-year starter, Afflebach has proven himself in net, and his play could help the Indians to the top of the Continental. He anchors a defense that has given up only eight goals this season.
Senior midfielder Ryan Molyneaux will be an important playmaker for the Indians.
Contact Kate Harman at rallysports@phillynews.com.
