Eagles Split Games at Southern Boone Shootout

Sophomore Brayden Watson (8) controls the ball in the midfield. Watson’s three goals in last week’s match against Laquey helped Southern Boone claim a 4-3 win.

By: Todd Pridemore
Last Friday at the Southern Boone Shootout, the Eagles faced two schools that have fielded strong teams on the soccer pitch in recent years. SB opened play under the scorching midday sun against the Marshall Owls (7-0). The undefeated Owls have developed a dominating program in recent years, and are again one of the top teams in Class 2 this season. Marshall flexed their talent from the opening whistle in this match, scoring just a few minutes into play and taking a 3-0 lead into halftime.

The Eagles roster, already thin on varsity depth, wilted as both the heat and lingering injuries took their toll as the match trudged on. The Owls claimed an impressive 8-0 win and would go on to shutout the Laquey Hornets (3-5) later in the afternoon.

After spending the four hours between their matches resting up, the Eagles faced Laquey to close out the day of action. The Hornets squad isn’t quite as strong this season as it’s been in the past, and the Eagles took advantage in the early going.

In the 6th minute, a freshman to freshman connection from Miles Butler to Ayden Hernandez resulted in the Eagles first goal. SB doubled their lead in the 20th minute when Hernandez dropped a pass to sophomore Brayden Watson, whose strong to the far post found the back of the net. Southern Boone’s defense held the Hornets scoreless throughout the opening period, even though starting center back Zachary Hawkins was held out of this match due to injury.

Senior captain Drew Dial moved to center back in Hawkin’s absence. However, a handful of starters found themselves on the sidelines at various times during the second 40 minutes of play – primarily due to muscle cramps. The second half opened with Laquey finally getting on the scoreboard after a misplay of the ball by the SB defense allowed an open shot on goal.

The visiting team then tied the match with just under 25 minutes left to play. The tie score was broken five minutes later when Watson launched another shot into the net to help the Eagles retake the lead with a 3-2 score. Watson then added what became the decisive goal – and a hattrick for himself – with four minutes to play.

Titus Pridemore was fouled just outside the 18-yard box, which led to Watson converting a 25-yard free kick that was perfectly placed to the far, top corner of the net. Laquey added a late goal with two minutes to play, but the Eagles held on for the 4-3 win.

The opening loss and closing win moved Southern Boone’s season record to 5-4 on the season.