It was a nail biter when Blue Ridge Early College hosted Highlands last week and after two 5-minute overtimes, the Highlanders walked away with the win 4-3.
BREC Jacob Pressler puts the pressure on Highlands Brent Sleight.
Highlands Coach Caleb Brown said it took a bit to find their groove, but things started to come together in the second half.
“We started off a little slow,” said Brown. “It really took us until the second half to find our rhythm. During halftime, a small group of players took it upon themselves to motivate the rest of the team. I think that this point alone was the driving factor that led to the two goals in regular play that tied up the game, with the goal for the tie coming in the final minute of regular play.”
BREC CJ Jennings dishes it off as Highlands JJ Postell attacks the ball.
Highlands JJ Postell scored in the final minutes of regular play and then again at the beginning of the first overtime.
This is the header goal by BREC Colton Taylor the referees called back.
A goal for BREC was called back and Coach Brittany Elkins said that may have gotten into their heads a bit and would have changed the tone of the game, but she’s proud of how the Bobcats played on the field and have handled adversity throughout the season.
“We’re 2-1 in the conference now, same as everyone else except for Cherokee, so the boys are still determined to be on top when conference is over,” said Elkins. “Coach Pressler and I are both really proud of how the team has overcome everything that has been thrown their way this season. We’ve had a lot of injuries and players step up to play a position that they’re not used to and have been successful. We’re looking forward to the rest of this season.”
BREC Korbin Walters and Highlands Lane Tingen battle for the ball last week Wednesday.
Highlands is also sitting at 2-1 and play two conference games later this week.
“I want to say that I am very proud of these young men who showed great adversity on the field,” he said. “Just because they went down a couple of goals does not mean that they can be counted out of any game. When Highlands comes to play the crowd can expect great things on the field. Their drive and determination to leave it all on the field is very admirable and it is exactly what Coach Chalker and I are trying to teach these fine young men. The goal is to give 100% in every aspect of life both on and off the field.”
Highlands next plays at 4 p.m. away on Oct. 7 against Cherokee.
BREC next plays at 6 p.m. away on Oct. 7 against Murphy.
BREC Julio Martinez moves the ball up the field under fast pursuit by Highlands Patrick Woods.
Highlands Bill Miller took a shift in goal giving Ethan Tate a chance to get out of the box.
BREC Korbin Walters to a stint in goal and in his 45 seconds in the box pulled off a pretty nice play.
BREC Colton Taylor kicks it just outside the post against Highlands on Wednesday.
Highlands Lane Tingen tries to shake BREC CJ Jennings.
Highlands Gig Chalker gets a line drive under control against BREC.
BREC Jacob Pressler puts on in the back of the net against Highlands.
Highlands Nathan Keener with the header against BREC.
Pretty much everyone on the field tried to chase this one down.
BREC Jacob Pressler and Highlands Lane Tingen chasing down the ball on Wednesday. Editor’s Note: The Breakfast Club, detention scene in the library dancing on the railing, anyone…
Article and Photos by Brian O’Shea
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