Dobyns-Bennett boys soccer strives for unbeaten season with district title on the line

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WCYB) — After spending years as the head coach of the girls soccer team at Dobyns-Bennett, Tony Weaver took over the boys program in 2024 - and despite the change at the top, some things don't change: a winning culture.

The Indians enter Wednesday still unbeaten on the season as they aim for a district championship with Science Hill standing in their way.

While regionals is still there for the Indians, win or loss, it is their mission this week to keep the momentum rolling and continue to knock down barriers for a team that may have not had the highest expectations going in.

"At the start of the year, I asked them what their goal was and some of them said 'win the district' and 'win the region,' but nobody mentioned the state tournament. I said 'what? You don't think we can be as good as last year?' And some of them said 'not as good,' so we nipped that in the bud right off the bat," said Weaver. "We want to always strive for the best and that became our goal for the year and right now we're on track but need to keep it going."

And the underdog sentiment was carried by the players on the team, as well. Even after successful seasons in each of the last several years, the Indians have always run up against a bump that has kept them from getting to a state title.

But as the season goes on, the belief continues to grow.

"There was definitely doubts from a lot of people at the beginning of the season thinking we were going to come out and not be as good as we have been the last few years," said senior, Wyatt Arrowood. "But we're doing just as good, if not better, this year than we have in the past few years."

A lot of that belief comes from the camaraderie and togetherness the team has - making it a special group with a lot to offer once the state tournament comes around.

"They've hung together all year. They care about each other and want each other to succeed. And nobody is out to get all the glory," added Weaver. "They play together and it's a team effort. That's what I love about this team is they're a good bunch of boys."

That group of boys - along with getting their confidence redirected by Weaver before stepping foot onto the field for a game - have found their way day-by-day which has helped their momentum shift to a championship-like mindset.

"We're just putting the ball in the net. Nothing special, just doing what we do best, and that's what is working for us," added Arrowood. "It flows well through the whole field. Everyone knows each other. It's just a great team to be a part of."

Indians and Hilltoppers are set to play for the district crown at 6 pm from Indian Highland Park on Thursday - barring any more weather related delays.