Highlands Middle School soccer team hosted Jackson County on Monday and won 3-1.
Highlands Coach Jeff Weller said the girls have worked hard and have come a long way since the beginning of the season.
After the win against Jackson County, Weller recognized his 8th-grade athletes.
Eighth-graders transitioning to high school next season. From left are Coach Jeff Weller, Tate Wilson, Margaret Cole, Nicole Taylor, Magnolia Cunningham, Soraya Lopez, AE Woods, Hunter Conner, Olivia Corbin, Heidi Doerter, Cayden Pierson, Calire Worley, Coach Rachel Wilson, and Coach Colin Weller.
“The girls have made vast improvements,” said Weller. “We have an athletic group, which is great. That allows us to work more on the soccer skills and strategies since their athleticism is already strong.”
Highlands Sadie Green clears the ball away from Highlands’ goal against Jackson County.
Highlands MS girls soccer program is only in its second year and is currently rocking an undefeated season of 3-0-1.
The win against JC came after Highlands tied Rabun Gap 2-2 at home on April 20.
Highlands Tate Wilson brings the ball to the outside against Rabun Gap.
“They are a very different team that us,” said Weller. “But, I would say that we are very well matched. If we play a strong game, we will beat them and if we don’t they certainly have the ability to beat us. We play them 2 more times so we have to be ready and focused. We have to play our game and work hard to win those. Then we finish the season at Murphy.”
Highlands Cayden Pierson on a fast break at home against Rabun Gap.
Before facing off against Rabun Gap, Highlands swept Murphy at home with a final of 4-0 on April 8.
Highlands Charlotte Westendorf scored 2 goals, and Cayden Pierson added 2 more goals from penalty kicks.
Highlands charlotte Westendorf holds her ground to maintain possession of the ball.
“The girls played a great game,” said Highlands Coach Colin Weller, who coaches Highlands along with his father. “They are a group that plays very well together and always plays hard.”
Highlands Margaret Cole stays with her mark against Rabun Gap.
Colin added that he hopes to keep the momentum going.
“The season is going well, the girls have been getting better and better, and I know everybody is looking forward to the next part of the season,” said Colin.
Highlands AE Woods brnigs the ball down the field under pressure from Rabun Gap.
Highlands next plays today at 6 p.m. on the road against Rabun Gap. Highlands girls varsity soccer team play at 4 p.m.
Highlands Claire Worley kicks the ball up to Highlands’ offense.
Highlands goalie Aubrie Potts moves to make a stop against Jackson County.
Highlands Hunter Conner brings the ball up to midfield.
Highlands Jordyn Borino sprints to save the ball from going out of bounds.
Highlands Heidi Doerter centers the ball in front of Jackson County’s goal.
Highlands Olivia Corbin brings the ball down the sidelines against Rabun Gap.
Highlands Cassie McDowell makes an incredible save to keep the ball inbounds against Rabun Gap.
Highlands Natalie Aguilar sprints to stop a Jackson County offensive run.
Highlands Coach Jeff Weller addresses friends and family and recognizes his 8th-grade athletes.
Highlands superfans from left are Lilian Rutter and Birdie Sherwood.
Highlands Hunter Conner takes a quick breather after a minor injury.
Article and photos by Brian O’Shea
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