TIFTON – Thomas County Central’s defense sparkled and the invading Yellow Jackets won two soccer games against Tift County Tuesday, March 15.
The Lady Jackets earned a 6-0 win while the Jackets broke away in the 2nd half in their 4-1 victory.
Both squads are experiencing growing pains. The Lady Devils have talent all over the field, but are still putting it all together. Youth and inexperience have been the tale of the Blue Devils’ season. Only three members of head coach Bobby Earls’ roster played many minutes in 2022.
The end result has been a struggle in terms of wins and losses. The Lady Devils are 5-7-1 and the Devils are 4-8-1, with the next currently scheduled for Friday, March 17 at home against Veterans.
In both contests, Thomas County Central scored a goal in the first five minutes, forcing Tift to play from behind from nearly the start.
Goalkeeper Mike Taylor, the Devil with the most experience, made plenty of electrifying saves. But both he and his backup, Braylon Samuel, were stung when their sensational tip saves were cleaned up by TCC.
The contest was tied, 1-1 at halftime.
Tift made the best of its few early opportunities. A little more than 30 minutes into the 1st half, the Devils began controlling the offense when Dawson McMillan served a free kick near the net. Two minutes later, they got a corner kick from Cristian Salazar, which Jose Rivera headed in for a goal.
Taylor wrapped up the half with more saves, including on a free kick.
The Yellow Jackets took the lead for good four minutes into the 2nd half. Tift had perhaps their best chance to tie up again on a free kick after 19 minutes of playing time, but Anthony Palomares had his shot saved.
Seconds later, TCC added their third goal, which was followed by their fourth and final score in the final minutes.
After the contest, Earls cited their inexperience and also their work ethic. “They’re good kids,” he said. Earls is eager for what they will be able to do in a year
Earlier, the Lady Jackets had a 2-0 lead at the break before adding four goals in the 2nd half.
Caroline Dotson minded the net for the initial 40 minutes. With help from her back line – and some outstanding 1-on-1 stops by Kiondria Haggins quelling potential breakaways – Dotson played like a seasoned vet. Haggins recorded one save herself, kicking away a loose ball rebound in the box.
Abby Goddard had a shot blocked in the 1st half. She, Lauren Brey and Kim Sanchez had further opportunities in the 2nd.