Five questions with Central Catholic’s Noah Orzeck
Hi Noah, your Central Catholic Raiders are off to an 8-0 start. Are you surprised and what’s the biggest reason for the fast start?
I can’t say I’m surprised that we are 8-0, but a perfect record this deep into the season is never really expected. The biggest reason for this is that a lot of our team, especially the starters, are three and four-year varsity players, so we’ve had a lot of development in the last few seasons.
You made the leap from the JV team’s starting goalie to varsity this season. What’s been the biggest adjustment you have had to make?
Fixing and working on simple form and technique. On JV there was more room for mistakes where I wouldn’t be automatically punished by a goal getting scored on me like I would now.
Of the team’s eight wins, six have come by shutout. Which one stands out the most in terms of your own play?
The Lawrence game. I got hit hard in the face, got a black eye, was playing with an intense ankle injury and made my first penalty kick save in a varsity game.
You are also a member of the school’s Chess Club. How does that work – do you compete in tournaments? and who taught you how to play?
My dad was the one who taught me when I was young. We don’t compete in tournaments with the high school team. I joined with a small group of friends, and I try my best to win because we’re always competitive with each other.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully being very successful somewhere in the business industry with maybe my own hedge fund. I also hope to have a nice house of my own and to be married.
Throw-Ins
A helping hand: Windham senior captain Michael Tommasi has excelled on the defensive end of the field, helping the Jaguars to their 7-2-3 record, while giving up just 14 goals in 12 games including posting five shutouts. Outside of soccer, he’s already mapped out the start of his professional career.
“I am studying to become an EMT. I take classes every Monday and Wednesday in Manchester,” he said. “I am getting ready to start an internship with Windham Fire and Rescue in December. I have always wanted to help from a young age and enjoy giving back to the community.”
Saving the season: After starting out slow without a win in the team’s first five games, Salem is riding a five-game winning streak with thrilling wins over Keene (3-2), Dover (1-0) and Portsmouth (2-1). Playing a big part in the success is goalie Elias Mercedes.
“Elias only started playing soccer during his sophomore season. He’s been a major part of our success, setting the tone with his leadership, athleticism, and consistency in goal,” said head coach Ian Valcich. “He’s a competitor who gives our team confidence every time he steps on the field.”
The glue that holds the Lancers together: Lawrence High senior captain Derek Navi has played six different positions this season for the Lancers, between striker, midfield and defense.
“He has been doing it all. Every time I need the team to do something, I call Navi,” said head coach Edgar Escalante. “He will be attending a (college recruiting) ID clinic at SNHU at the end of the month. His hard work and perseverance have earned my respect, and I know it can be a lot of pressure, but I know what he can do.”
Getting Defensive: Central Catholic is off to its best start in years, sporting a 9-0 record and giving up just three goals. Defenders Jack Carroll and Brennan Holt are playing their best soccer to date and are two huge reasons for the success.
His first shot: After serving as a back-up goalie for each of the past three years, Methuen High senior Matthew Mrabu has finally got this chance to start and quickly has become one of the league’s best with 78 saves and two shutouts. He’s a big reason why the Rangers have already qualified for post-season play.