Game Summaries & Headlines.
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. North Hills Christian School
6.0 years ago @ 10:58PM
- Game Date
- Sep 15, 2017
- Score
- : 9
NORTH HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL: 0
KNIGHTS CONTINUE UNDEFEATED SEASON, CAPTURING A 9-0 VICTORY OVER NORTH HILLS: 8-0-1 Overall, 3-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)
HICKORY, NC- The Hickory Christian Academy Knights received huge minutes from previously injured senior Tommy McGrath and junior Wil Lehman who both recorded 20 plus minutes of action in a game shortened at the 43 minute mark. Still nursing a broken toe was freshman Caleb McMurray who is due back in a couple of weeks. His return will be a welcome site as he will be expected to be a key contributor heading down the home stretch of the season.
Senior Thomas McEwan (knee) and junior Jack Zaliagiris (neck/back) both played despite nursing injuries.
Offensively the Knights were dominant today as four players contributed on the scoring end. Timely and accurate passing allowed the Knights to continuously get behind the defensive line of the Eagles, allowing multiple shots on goal. Junior Gabe Walker continued his season long scoring onslaught leading the Knights with six goals (3 minute, 5 minute, 21 minute, 22 minute, 35 minute and 43 minute).
Senior Tommy McGrath started right where he left off before his finger injury, playing his first game in four weeks looking like he hadn't missed a beat, knocking in his goal at the 33 minute mark.
As the 37 minute approached, freshman Wyatt King got into the scoring column, giving the Knights a 7-0 advantage. Before the Eagles could recover, junior Luke Ikerd punched in the 8th goal of the contest right before the first half ended at the 39 minute mark.
During the halftime break, Coach Josh Walker found it hard to identify any correction as the Knights certainly came ready to play, were focused on the task at hand and gave maximum effort to put themselves in a nice position as the 2nd half opened.
About as long as it took to get the large crowd of HCA supporters to get settled on the opposite sideline as the 2nd half began, junior Gabe Walker struck once again, ending the game with his sixth goal of the contest at the 43 minute mark.
Eight of the nine goals were scored by way of assists which further illustrates the Knights unselfish play on the pitch. Junior Gabe Walker (2 assists), freshman Garrison Mullis (2 assists), junior Jack Zaliagiris, senior Dixon O'hair, freshman Wyatt King and 8th grader Braden Runyon each recored assists for the Knights.
Defensively the Knights were flying to the ball, staying in position and disciplined to the point of sheer frustration for the visitors from Salisbury. The Eagles simply had no answer for the defensive pressure being applied throughout the game.
True to tradition the team jogged over to the crowd receiving a standing ovation for their terriffic play. But instead of returning to the bench - players, coaches, family members and fans gathered together for a time of soccer updates, praise and a time of prayer. Pastor Mark Ikerd, father of junior Luke Ikerd was called on to lead us in prayer. We praise God for these wonderful kids and their families.
Receiving the Knights Battle Ball, a Hickory Christian Academy tradition recognizing the player today with the most grit, tenacity and dedication was Wil Lehman. Wil has been sidelined with a labrum tear in his hip joint and has missed several weeks of action. Surgery is scheduled for early October but is pending a postponement if the pain is tolerable. The surgeon has assured the Lehman's no further damage can be done and it's totally about the pain level if the junior can continue to contribute to the Knight's run for another state championship.
The Knights return to action on Monday September 18th @ 7:00 pm for a contest under the lights against conference and city rival University Christian. The game will be played on the campus of Lenoir Rhyne University. The soccer field is located at the LR track.