By PAUL GOTHAM
CHURCHVILLE, N.Y. — Chris Keller’s first varsity hat trick left the Churchville-Chili Saint wanting a little bit more.
Wednesday night the senior midfielder followed through on that intention.
And he capped the effort with an exclamation point.
Keller netted a trio of goals and host Churchville-Chili (No. 10 NYSSWA Class AA) ran its unbeaten record to 7-0-1 with a 6-0 victory over Hilton.
Keller started the scoring in the match’s eighth minute when the Saints found the back of the net twice in a matter of :46 seconds.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM LAURA ACCIAIO.
“It’s been an emphasis since the start of the season to come out early because that’s something we haven’t done as well,” he said. “We’ve been a second-half team. It was great to start the game off on the right foot and keep going from there.”
Keller sparked another surge early in the second half when he headed in an Eli Klewicki cross in the 51st minute. Five minutes later, Avery Ewell put the game away when he converted a free kick from 20 yards out.
51’ Chris Keller on the finishing end of an Elijah Klewicki cross. @CCCSDbsoccer 3 Hilton nil pic.twitter.com/86GzmWYgwJ
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 24, 2025
56’ Avery Ewell takes advantage of what is given. @CCCSDbsoccer 4-nil. pic.twitter.com/SjrLMskPk2
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 24, 2025
“This is who we are,” head coach John Mahoney said of his Saints’ squad which has outscored its counterparts by a combined total of 27-1. “We can shut opponents out and score in bunches.
“When we bring that energy that you saw at the beginning of the first half, we are really tough.”
That C-C did this against Hilton (4-3-0) only added to the significance.
“They’re definitely a very good team, and I don’t think the scoreline represents their team properly,” Keller said of the Cadets who allowed six goals in their first six games.
He credited the Saints’ student section for providing fuel for the win.
“Our fans, we love to show out for them. We talk about it all day at school.”
A year ago, Keller netted his first varsity hat trick. On that night, he connected on a pair of set pieces and converted a penalty kick.
On Wednesday night, he capped his effort with a blast from 30 yards out that nicked the underside of the crossbar before bounding to the turf. There was a momentary delay before the sideline judge indicated the goal.
“It was middle, so I thought it was going to be saved. Then whew, Bar-down! Okay!”
65’ Chris Keller unleashes a rocket from 40 yards out that hits the bar and in. @CCCSDbsoccer 5-nil. pic.twitter.com/xe0Fqas70n
— Paul Gotham (@PickinSplinters) September 25, 2025
Wednesday’s hat trick carried more meaning for Keller.
“These were all field of play tonight,” he said pointing to the difference from the previous three-goal performance when the scores all occurred outside the run of play.
Keller also had an assist. He has five goals and five helpers on the season.
Churchville has six players who have scored multiple goals this season.
Aidan McDermott and Bryce Wolf scored a goal apiece in the win. Lucas Cariola accounted for two assists. Aidan Barth and Isaac Gale also contributed assists.
Mason Simmons made six saves for the clean sheet.
Churchville hosts Webster Thomas for a 7:00 p.m. kickoff on Friday.
Hilton travels to Fairport for a 7:30 p.m. start on Friday.
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