Heritage, Lakeview set to clash in NGAC soccer title tilts

The finals of the 2017 North Georgia Athletic Conference soccer tournament were scheduled to be played on Tuesday at Heritage Middle School with Lakeview challenging unbeaten Heritage in the girls’ final and Heritage looking to knock off unbeaten Lakeview in the boys’ final.

Due to newspaper deadlines, results of the championship matches were not available as of press time. Coverage will be included in the May 10 editions of the Catoosa County News and the Walker County Messenger.

Here is a recap of early tournament matches:

Heritage boys 3, Rossville 1

The Generals got a victory over the Bulldogs in a quarterfinal match at Heritage last Monday.

Willing the team to a win was Kevin Ho, who scored two goals. Liam Smartt added the third goal off an assist from Gauge Sartin.

“I thought our team did a good job in terms of controlling the match and possession,” Heritage coach Nate Erwin said. “We created several good opportunities for other goals, but couldn’t on them. Rossville’s goalkeeper did an impressive job saving several shots from us.”

Elijah Langston found the net for the Bulldogs.

LaFayette boys 2, Ringgold 1

The Ramblers advanced to the semifinals with a onegoal victory over the Tigers last Monday.

Daniel Lopez and Austin Rainwater found the net for the Orange-and-Black, while Austin Deering and Rob Hannah had assists. Keeper Hayden Rainwater came up with several big saves to help secure the victory.

Liam Lehmann scored an unassisted goal for the Tigers.

Lakeview boys 10, Chattanooga Valley 0

The Warriors cruised into the semifinals on the strength of seven second-half goals.

Alan Smajlovic and Jacob Sloan scored twice for Lakeview, while Belmin Kojic, Bryson Sullivan, Jayce Yunyong, Stiven Galicia, Zach Henrich and Caleb Goodwin all scored one goal apiece.

Cooper Kirk collected three assists, while Sullivan, Alan Amajlovice and Jalen Glover each had one assist.

Trion boys 3, Saddle Ridge 2

The Mustangs saw their season come to a close last Tuesday with a narrow loss at Trion.

Kevin Kremb got Saddle Ridge on the board with an early goal, only to see the Bulldogs answer with two quick goals to take the lead, which they would take into halftime.

Karson Ledford booted one home from long distance in the second half to knot the game, but Trion would find the net once final time late in the match in what turned out to be the game-winner.

Lake Johnson had several saves for the Mustangs, including one a penalty kick

“Overall, it was a great season for the Mustangs,” head coach Ben Scoggins said. “I’m really proud of everyone on the team, and we’re excited about the future of soccer at Saddle Ridge.”

Heritage boys 3, Trion 0

In Friday’s

semifinals at Heritage, Ho scored off an assist from Aaron Hilliard, while Bradley Cass scored twice, thanks to Josiah Cook’s two assists. Keeper Gavin Chandler made saves on all three shots attempts by the Bulldogs.

Lakeview boys 4, LaFayette 1

The Warriors cruised into the semifinals on the strength of seven second-half goals.

Galicia scored twice in the victory, as did Glover. Kirk racked up three more assists.

Austin Rainwater found the net for the Ramblers.

Lakeview girls 7, Trion 0

Scoring for the Lady Warriors in their opening-round victory were Sydnee Brown, who had a hat trick, Emma Leverett, Bailey Sullivan, Ashley Henderson and Mia Kojic.

Leverett added two assists, while Sullivan and Evelyn Woody had one assist each.

Heritage girls 6, Saddle Ridge 0

Molly Cason, Maggie Grayson, Allana Ducker and Carol Anne Giannamore each had a goal for the Lady Generals in the win, while Allison Craft and Mady Terry each had a goal and an assist. McKenna Bialecke had one assist.

Ringgold girls 5, LaFayette 0

The Lady Tigers moved on to the semis with a shutout of the Lady Ramblers last Tuesday.

Joanna Medlin had two goals and an assist in the win, while Sophie Reed chipped in with a goal. Makenna Mercer and Grace Raby were named as defensive standouts.

Chatt. Valley girls 4, Rossville 0

The Lady Eagles scored twice in each half to beat the Lady Bulldogs last Tuesday in Flintstone.

Emma McGraw got the first goal for CVMS five minutes into match and Annabelle Casto volleyed home a shot off of a Ria Cox corner kick at the 18-minute mark.

Angelica Crowe made it 3-0 just seven minutes into the second half, while Cox capped the scoring with three minutes remaining.

Casto, along with Kilie Wilson and Katieann Thompson were praised for their strong midfield play. Meadow Duhm led the defensive effort and keeper Riley McBee had two saves in net.

Heritage girls 1, Ringgold 0

The Lady Generals edged the Lady Tigers in a hard-fought semifinal match Thursday at Heritage.

Scoring the game’s only goal was Bailey Needham off an assist from Craft. Keeper Abby Scott got the shutout, while the defense – led by Cason, Grayson, Sydney Lane, Addison Needham and Emma Walther – held down the fort.

Lakeview girls 4, Chatt. Valley 0

The Lady Warriors continued to fire on all cylinders as they bested the Eagles in a semifinal match on Thursday at Heritage.

Brown had another hat trick in the win, while Sullivan struck from roughly 40 yards out.

Leverett had two assists on the night and Rachel Lopez was praised for her defensive effort.