Wakulla War Eagles Victory Endangers Cougars

@Reynolds Stadium – Wednesday, November 14th, 2007
Wakulla War Eagles 2; Godby Cougars 1

{sidebar id=1}Amidst the continuous bubbles, loud music and flashing lights filling the night air high above the stands at Reynolds Stadium, an intense district conference futbol match was taking place below between the Wakulla War Eagles and the Godby Cougars.

Having tied East Gadsden and lost to PCB Arnold, the winless Cougars were determined to tar and feather the War Eagles in efforts to stay alive within the District 2; Class 4A bracket.

A lethargic first half by Wakulla kept Godby’s hopes much alive as the Cougars had nine (six shots; five on frame) solid scoring opportunities during the first twenty minutes of play compared to Wakulla’s three shots of which only Siul Vega managed to place on frame.

With exception of a nice shot on goal by Zach Swain during the 28th minute, the lack of offense continued by the host team until the 33rd minute.

The defensive quartet of Trevor Nason, Raleigh Clarke, Chad Herold and Shane Davis tightened the collar upon the Cougars stopping Godby from even recording a shot for the remaining twelve minutes.

Play began to intensify as both teams registered seven fouls during the last fifteen minutes of action as a yellow card was also issued upon a Godby player for dissent.

Patrick Stewart (33rd minute), Trevor Nason (35th) and Elliot Seidler (37th) began finding weaknesses within the Cougars defensive den recording solid shots prior to the conclusion of the scoreless first half.

Outside of a spectacular sliding fastbreak save by Goalkeeper Matt Reich (8 Saves; 10 P/C) during the 52nd minute, Wakulla’s defense would limit the visitors to just one shot on goal.

The War Eagles lit up the scoreboard during the 57th minute as Zach Swain (assist) sent a square ball across the penalty box to an unmarked Trevor Nason making a run from his deep defensive position. Nason immediately sent the shot near post, past the diving Godby Goalkeeper William Flores (7 Saves; 13 P/C) and back into the nylon netting.

Two minutes later a Godby player would be fouled within the box, drawing a penalty kick for the Cougars. John McVaney lined up on the twelve-yard line as Goalkeeper Matt Reich stood between him and a tie scoring goal.

Initially dancing two steps to his right, McVaney drove the ball to the keeper’s left. Quickly adjusting with a lunging leap to his left, Reich had the ball bounce off his outreached lower arm only to discover it deflect into the back of the net.

The match would remain even for only a minute as Chad Herold (assist) placed a high through ball from deep within his defensive position as teammates Zach Swain and Patrick Stewart were making simultaneous diagonal runs. Communicating effectively, Stewart took the ball and beat a Godby defender before driving the sphere into the back netting.

The match became ugly as both teams became very aggressive as Godby remained determined to tie the match.

Twelve fouls and three additional yellow cards were issued throughout the later portions of the match, tarnishing the majestic beauty of the graceful sport of soccer.

Wakulla’s Ryan Smith nearly iced the match during the 76th minute only for the Godby goalkeeper to deny the talented junior a goal.

Godby would again dominate possession for the remaining five minutes of the match but found the War Eagles effectively protecting their nest only adding to the increasing tension upon the pitch.

The match was not the best performance by the War Eagles, but as with any good team they managed to find a way to win.

AUTHOR’S NOTE:

Additional WHS Men’s Varsity soccer information can be obtained from…

http://www.eurosportscoreboard.com/cgi-bin/sicrtsc.pl?Type=h&State=fl&Ranka=1&sno=4385&Gender=s&Season=07&Sport=s

Submitted by:

John Reich
WHS Men’s Soccer Booster Club – President
Public Relations / Statmeister
926-5970
DAD_316@yahoo.com

This article originally published on November 19, 2007.

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