The King’s Warriors suffered their second loss of the season on Sept. 19, but then bounced back with two wins.
The Warriors traveled to Teays Valley to meet INGNITE Home School Team for the second time. They could not find their way in the first half, and allowed the home team to jump out to a 3-0 halftime lead. Refusing to quit, the Warriors came out determined to make a game of it. They were rewarded when B.J. Mitchell was taken down in the box. Chance Blevins put the kick away to make it 3-1. The rest of the half was more even. The defense gave up two more goals, and B.J. Mitchell scored to make the final 5-2. The Warriors have developed a good affinity with the IGNITE team, and will likely play them again this season.
On Thursday, Sept 24, the King’s Warriors went to Mercer Christian Academy for the much anticipated rematch. It was a very physical affair, but Chance Blevins opened the scoring only five minutes into the game. B.J. Mitchell increased the lead to 2-0 with a phenomenal one-touch shot. The defense then relaxed briefly and were punished, as the Cavaliers found the back of the net to close within one. The rough and rapid pace continued in the second half, and the Warriors fell victim to uneven field conditions halfway through. Isaac Beckett delivered a routine back pass to goalkeeper Jake Dickens, but as the ball reached him, it hit a bump in the field, bounced over his kicking foot, and rolled into the goal for an own goal. Even after squandering a 2-nil lead, the Warriors refused to roll over. They continued to attack the MCA goal forcing several harsh fouls that didn’t get called. Finally, a two-man tackle that got Chance Blevins rather than ball was whistled. Being in the box, the referee pointed to the spot. Unruffled, Blevins made it 3-for-3 for the season, and gave the Warriors a 3-2 lead. This time, the defense refused to break, and held on for the win.
Two days later, the Warriors traveled to Lewisburg to take on Lewisburg Baptist Academy. The team is developing good rapport with LBA, and want to help them build their program. Exhibiting poise and restraint, the Warriors built a 2-0 halftime lead on the strength of a perfect direct kick from Isaac Beckett and a fabulous run-of-play shot from Chance Blevins. Angel Taylor scored her first King’s Warriors goal shortly before time to give the King’s Warriors varsity a 3-0 win. It was Jake Dickens third shutout, and extended the Warriors record to 4-2-1.
The varsity match was followed by a JV match that provided valuable playing time for the younger, less experienced players. The game was very even and spirited. Sydney Stover made a great run from her right back position to give the young King’s Warriors a 1-0 halftime lead. The LBA JV continued to press the attack and managed to score twice in the second half to claim a 2-1 win. The teams will meet again twice more this season.
The King’s Warriors are trying to finalize matches in October as they prepare for NACA, which will be held Oct. 28-30.