KINGSPORT — Dobyns-Bennett’s soccer team accomplished a longstanding goal Monday night, and not just returning to the district championship match.
Jordan Burrell found his way into the scoring column for the first time this season. His penalty kick in the 80th minute put the finishing touches on the Indians’ 9-1 District 1-AAA semifinal victory over West Ridge at Indian Highland Park.
The Tribe (13-0-2) had waited for weeks to give Burrell his moment in the spotlight. Normally the team manager, Burrell forever entered the Dobyns-Bennett scoring column Monday night.
“He’s a great kid, a great person to have on the team not only as far as soccer, but just a motivator … he makes us who we are,” D-B coach Tony Weaver said. “Everybody on this team is an asset. That’s what we try to tell each other. Everybody’s important no matter your role.”
Speaking of breaking into the varsity scoring column, Benjamin Gillen-Hamer and Dimitrios Grammatikas did likewise in the second half. Gillen-Hamer scored on a Grammatikas assist to make it 7-1, and the two reversed roles for D-B’s eighth goal.
“That’s what we’re trying to do,” Weaver said. “They kind of trickle in, and that gets you some experience with some of the older players, gets them into our system and what we want to do, so they know what to do when it comes their turn. I think they’re doing that.”
Brogan McGhee’s hat trick spearheaded Dobyns-Bennett’s offense early. His first two goals came unassisted, and he assisted Andy Salas in the 10th minute before converting a penalty kick in the 43rd minute.
Gavin Farmer scored a pair of goals for the Indians, the first coming from straightaway inside the box for a 4-0 halftime lead. The second came on an Adrian Calo assist in the 50th.
“I feel like we came out and put it away way faster,” McGhee said. “We passed the ball more went out wide and did what we were supposed to do instead of trying to dribble the whole match.”
Indeed. D-B held a commanding 46-2 advantage in shots taken, including 27-2 on goal with Ethan Cline making one save.
West Ridge’s lone goal came from its goalkeeper. Cole McDavid converted a penalty kick in the 61st minute after a foul inside the box. McDavid made 18 stops for the Wolves.
Science Hill 9, Daniel Boone 1
Science Hill junior forward Samuel Moody made sure to “thank the good Lord” for finally being able to face Daniel Boone in more desirable weather.
As much adversity as they’ve endured this year, the Hilltoppers once more have the chance to play for a District 1-AAA soccer championship. Science Hill pulled away in the second half Monday night, defeating Boone 9-1 in the district semifinals at Indian Highland Park.
Of course, Moody was likewise grateful to be able to contribute from a scoring standpoint. He scored twice, once in each half for Science Hill (8-8). The first came on a left-footed blast in the 14th minute, assisted by Ian Almaroad. And when Tingen Hatcher crossed the ball to him in the 41st minute, Moody finished to begin the second half on a high note with a 4-1 lead.
Hatcher, who dished out two assists, scored twice himself in the second half. After heading in a corner kick by Almaroad in the 50th, Hatcher scored unassisted on another corner kick opportunity in the 62nd for an 8-1 advantage.
An own goal by the Trailblazers broke the scoreless tie quickly, and Thomas Faleke scored on a Palmer Kind assist in the eight minute.
Mikel Muingbeh hit from 20 yards right to left in the 49th minute. Lucas Trull scored five minutes later, and Carlos Prado Aponte finished a Jake Jensen assist to cap the scoring.
And while senior goalkeeper Foster Childress didn’t play Monday night, allowing sophomore Griffin Lewis to get the start, Strickland indicated Childress should be available for the district final.
Boone got within 3-1 in the 30th minute, when Caleb Mason converted a penalty kick.
UP NEXT
Dobyns-Bennett and Science Hill meet once again for the District 1-AAA championship Wednesday at Indian Highland Park. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.