Panthers down Wildcats

In a rematch of a game that took place just 10 days before the score came out nearly the same as the Carroll County Panthers defeated the Henry County Wildcats 7-1 in boys’ soccer action.

Jonna Spelbring Priester

Henry County’s Jesus Ramos chases down a ball against Carroll County during last week’s match.

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Jonna Spelbring Priester

Scott Papineau fights off a challenge from a Carroll County player.

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Jonna Spelbring Priester

Gavin Jameson dribbles down field against Carroll County

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But Coach Bobby Jameson felt that he got a much better performance from his team in circumstances that were less than ideal. The Wildcats had three yellow cards very early in the game, which hampered their ability to play physical soccer. The Panthers were awarded a penalty kick just 1:30 into the game, which, they converted, for a 1-0 lead.

Jameson felt that the team had a bit of bad luck offensively. “We had three or four shots go off the crossbar,” he said. “We moved the ball better. We had several shots inside the penalty box but couldn’t put them away. Two inches was the difference several times.”

The Cats trailed 3-0 at the half and Carroll scored early in the 2nd half to effectively put the game away. Jacob Buckley scored a consolation goal for the Wildcats with about three minutes remaining.

Jameson found plenty to feel optimistic about after the game. “We have a new player that I think is going to be a big addition,” he said. “Jacob Bratton played his first game for us and he did well. He has speed and energy and never stopped on the field. Jacob, Jesus Ramos, Gavin Jameson and Eddie Jones all displayed better passing than in previous games. Jacob’s speed to get back on defense helped a lot.

“Our defense didn’t give up,” he added, “They played to the whistle which was an improvement over the last game.”

Jameson said his young team still needs to learn to play with composure. “They get rattled by trash talk and physical play. They need to learn to handle tough situations.”

The young and inexperienced Cats will have the opportunity to work on that this week with a busy schedule, playing four games in five days. The Cats took on Walton-Verona Tuesday night, play a rescheduled game against Gallatin at home today and then play two games in a tournament at Carroll County Saturday. The first game of that tournament is at 3:30 p.m. against Covington Holmes.