Heritage, Lakeview to clash for NGAC soccer titles
The finals of the 2017 North Georgia Athletic Conference soccer tournament were scheduled to be played this past Monday 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.