Redeeming Jags: Cedar Shoals beat North Oconee 3-1
In a long game with multiple fouls, cards and two penalty kicks, the Jaguars boys varsity soccer team defeated the North Oconee Titans 3-1 at home on March 10.
Not only was it a region game, but the game served as redemption after losing 2-1 last season. Senior forward Wyatt Gehner, who had one goal, three chances created and three tackles, notes the game’s importance.
“My mindset going into this was to win or go home. This was one of the biggest games of the season. Having lost to North Oconee last season, we had a chip on our shoulder,” Gehner said.
Head coach Conor Naughton knew that it would be an intense battle and used that anticipation to create a game plan.
“North Oconee has a great soccer program and are always going to compete at a high level every year. Our game plan was mainly about sticking to what we do well: controlling the ball and dictating the tempo of the game,” Naughton said.
Junior goalkeeper Tony Pena believed that even though they had missed chances and let a North Oconee goal pass, they still played their game.
“I think we played very well and created many chances. Even though we had many chances to score where we didn’t, we were still able to dominate. I think our crosses were on target, passes on target and we took all the chances we had when it came to taking a shot,” Pena said.
With 11 minutes left in the first half, the lightning siren went off signaling that it was unsafe to play. Players and fans vacated the field for 50 minutes. When the players returned, they recovered their drive from the first two goals.
“The lightning delay was tough. We had a lot of momentum being up 2-0 in the first half like that. Then all of the sudden we missed an easy chance to score a third, and then the lighting siren went off. It was a bit of a buzzkill, but I’m very proud of how our guys stayed focused while they waited for the delay to end, and thankfully we were able to come back out with the same intensity,” Naughton said.
While normally the forwards have the spotlights with scoring, Pena recognizes two defensive players who stood out: senior captains Hank Ruder and Zeke Hensley-Williams. Ruder had two tackles, four interceptions and one shot on target. Hensley-Willams had two tackles, three interceptions and one goal-line clearance.
“They both have a great way of motivating me even when I’ve conceded a goal. They both have saved me multiple times from almost conceding a goal and not letting the forward slip through,” Pena said.
When the buzzer finally signaled the end of the game, emotions ran high with relief and pride. Naughton let out a sigh of relief when he realized that they won the redeeming game.
“These games, especially region games, can be emotional rollercoasters, so I always try to make it a point to lead by example with a calm demeanor, with the hopes that it helps my guys feel a little more calm, confident and composed. Sometimes that means me having to rein in my emotions during the game, so that final buzzer to signal a win is always a big relief. But the biggest feeling I had, and always do have, was one of pride. I’m very proud of the team and the way they battled tonight without any excuses,” Naughton said.
