KNIGHTS OVERCOME A LATE TWO-GOAL DEFICIT TO EARN A 3-2 VICTORY OVER DAVIDSON DAY SCHOOL; 5-0-0 Overall, 0-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA) 

DAVIDSON, NC- Hickory Christian Academy narrowly escaped the hands of defeat, rallying from a two-goal deficit with just 25 minutes remaining in the contest to secure a huge victory and gaining a much needed jolt of confidence heading into the meat of their schedule. 

This would be the contest where the Knights would start slow and dig a hole for themselves, trailing 2-0 at the beak. The Patriots from Davidson Day struck goal at the 34^thand 38^thminute respectively. Two reasons may have contributed to the slow start. One, the Knights reported back to school in the early morning hours for the 2018-2019 school year and two, had to battle a blinding sun hanging over beautiful Wolter Field on the Davidson Day campus. It marked the first time in two seasons that the Knights were down by more than one goal in a contest. 

During the first 15 minutes of half number two, the Knights would get close but were not able to capitalize on their opportunities. Both teams battled hard, trading punch for punch and with 25 minutes remaining the Knights offense suddenly came to life. 

Sophomore Caleb McMurray found senior Gabe Walker during minute number 56 to bring the score closer at 2-1 in favor of the home Patriots. This is where it would get interesting. At minute number 70 (that’s right, only 10 minutes remaining in the game), sophomore Chase Collins booted a pinpoint pass down the left side, the ball miraculously splitting two Patriot defenders and senior Gabe Walker would take it to the house on his way to his second goal of the contest, evening the score at 2-2.

The momentum had shifted and the Knights had 10 minutes remaining to grab one more goal to secure the win. It didn’t take long, just one minute after their second score of the contest; the Knights would take their first lead of the day on an unassisted goal by Walker at minute 71, his third of the game. From that point on, it was all Knights on the defensive and offensive side of the pitch. The Knights survived a scare but were able to leave Davidson with a 3-2 victory.

Gabe Walker was the recipient of the HCA Battle Ball, a HCA tradition after each game awarded to the player with the best effort, attitude, performance and all around impact on the outcome of the contest. Walker finished the game with all three of the Knights goals. The senior was tenacious throughout the evening, overcoming a frustrating first half and capitalizing on his opportunities as the game unfolded.

Senior Aedan Arnot and sophomore Garrison Mullis sat out the contest nursing injuries but both are expected to return to action next Tuesday. Late in the second half sophomore Caleb McMurray suffered a laceration above his left eye and was taken to receive medical attention. McMurray had the cut glued together but should be ready for next Tuesday’s contest.

The Knights return to action in a home game against another formidable opponent, Gaston Day next Tuesday August 28^that Henry Fork Park. The contest is slated to begin at 4:00.