KNIGHTS POUR IT ONLY EARLY AND TAKE A NCISAA 1ST ROUND VICTORY, 10-1 WIN OVER THE VISITORS FROM NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY; 13-3-0 Overall,5-1 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    HICKORY, NC- On a damp afternoon at Henry Fork Park, the Knights came out the victors in a shortened contest and are headed to the 2A playoffs second round.     The offensive fireworks started early in the match, minute number four to be exact as senior Gabe Walker got it rolling on an unassisted goal giving the Knights an early 1-0 advantage. At minute number 9, senior Luke Ikerd placed a header from the corner and off the foot of freshman Braden Runyon for a 2-0 margin. Sophomore Chase Collins continued his stellar play down the left side as he sent Walker an assist and Walker finished the job and taking the Knights advantage to 3-0 in just the tenth minute. The Knights took the lead to 4-0 as senior goalie Owen Duncan kicked a "big ball" from goal and Walker out-sprinted the defensive pressure en route to his third goal of the day. Rounding out the scoring in half number one was sophomore Braden Whitford, on the receiving end of an assist from Walker and the scoreboard read 5-0.   Before the half would end, sophomore Garrison Mullis who had been out more than a week with an ankle injury found the back of the net. This was made possible from the foot of sophomore Wyatt King who was awarded the assist. Mullis' goal gave the Knights a 6-0 lead but the visitors from Northside would manage to score their only goal of the contest in the last minute of the half. Heading into halftime the Knights built a 6-1 lead.   The second half would be an extension of the first the Knights would score at minute forty-two. Senior Jack Zaliagiris, who had moved from the defensive side over to offense, found Walker heading to goal and the senior drilled it in the back of the net and moving the score to 7-1. Sophomore Wyatt King, who had a few close misses in the first half took advantage of his opportunity in the second half, scoring an unassisted goal at minute number forty-eight. As the rain started to become heavy and with the score 8-1, senior Gabe Walker scored two more goals (6 for the match) at minute fifty-two and fifty-six. Walkers goal, with an assist from sophomore Braden Whitford in minute fifty-six, sealed the victory as the contest was shortened due to the 10-1 advantage.    Holding the visitors to just one goal was the result of ball control on offense and a swarming defense . Senior goalie Owen Duncan had a spectacular day on the pitch as he secured the net with diving stops on several occasions. Sophomore goalie Nate Walls stepped in to the mix late in the first half and finished out the contest to hold off any further scoring from Northside. Duncan and Walls have been working hard at their craft and are provided valuable instruction from goalie coach Joel Whitford.    Sophomore Ian Benfield, senior Will Lehman, senior Jack Zaliagiris, senior Aedan Arnot, junior Spencer Burton and senior Luke Ikerd all played valuable minutes on the defensive side. Sophomore Caleb McMurray played limited but valuable minutes due to a groin injury suffered in practice.    Freshman Braden Runyon 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. Runyon, with his assist early in the contest, broke the long standing HCA freshman assist record. The talented freshman has accounted for seventeen assist this season and will look to add to those numbers as the 2A state playoffs continue.   The Knights will host a 2A second round playoff game against Burlington Christian at 4:00, Thursday October 18th at Henry Fork Regional Park in Hickory.

KNIGHTS ON LOSING END OF EPIC BATTLE AGAINST CONFERENCE RIVAL STATESVILLE CHRISTIAN IN OVERTIME 1-2; HICKORY CHRISTIAN IS NOW 12-3-0 Overall, 5-1 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    HICKORY, NC- Two heated and intense rivals squared off at Henry Fork Park in front of a packed crowd, representative of both schools respectively.   The two rivals came into the contest with a history of close games, and this one held up to the hype. Once the final whistle had blown these two teams put an exclamation point on the last two seasons which consisted of five times they faced off on the pitch. During this time, the Knights hold a 3-2 advantage in the win/loss column. Over these five contests, there were two overtime games, and four decided by one goal.   Now for the game recap...A defensive battle from the opening whistle all the way to minute twenty-three, senior Gabe Walker then took the ball off the foot of his opponent at midfield, streaked down the left side all the way to a one on one matchup with goalie and proceeded to give the Knights a 1-0 advantage.   The game would be a stalemate for the next forty-seven minutes. A mixture of missed PK and a shot off the post during a one minute span (minute 70 & 71) would hold the score at 1-0 in favor of the host from Hickory Christian Academy. What then seemed to be a wasted opportunity for Statesville after a clear, point blank shot at goal failed at minute seventy-seven was promptly followed up with a goal in the last minute of the contest for the Lions. This would tie the score at 1-1 and send the game into overtime.    The Lions headed into overtime with momentum and quickly scored in minute number two, securing the victory over the Knights, 2-1.   The Knights return to the pitch on Friday October 12th against University Christian @ Henry Fork Park with a 5:30 start time on Senior recognition night. With a win the Knights would be co-champs of the SPAA 2-A conference. 

KNIGHTS HAVE A STRONG FIRST HALF AND SCORE A SHUTOUT IN 4-0 WIN OVER CONFERENCE RIVAL UNIVERSITY CHRISTIAN;12-2-0 Overall, 5-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    HICKORY, NC- The two cross town rivals squared off at St. Stephens Lutheran on an unseasonably warm afternoon to the delight of a good size crowd. The Knights would take the victory, somewhat spoiling the Barracudas senior night festivities that saw three seniors receive recognition for their contributions to the soccer program.    The Knights were focused on the task at hand, realizing the importance of the outcome of the contest and having a sense of urgency. Seniors Wil Lehman, Jack Zaliagiris, Aedan Arnot, Luke Ikerd, Owen Duncan and Gabe Walker would be playing in one of their final three regular season games of their careers and vowed to have no regrets, leave it on the field and to walk off exhausted physically as well as mentally.    Now to the game recap...    As expected the grudge match between these schools was a feisty but clean match with each side battling the first 15 minutes without many opportunities for goal by either team. That is, until sophomore Garrison Mullis found senior Gabe Walker on the left side and the leftie proceeded to pound the ball in the back of net giving the Knights a 1-0 advantage at minute number sixteen.   Then at minute number twenty-six, senior Wil Lehman was kind enough to lay a perfect assist to sophomore Wyatt King who then proceeded to move the score to 2-0 in favor of the Knights.   With the first half fast approaching Walker took a determined route to set himself in position to power the ball past a diving goalie giving him his second goal of the contest and increasing the Knights margin by a score of 3-0.   During halftime, there was not much needed for strategy but a focus on keep on doing what you are doing, don’t let up and finish strong.    Both teams came out aggressively and the fans were able to view a strong battle defensively on both sides as no goal would be scored through the first thirty-two minutes of half number two. In fact, the only score of the 2ndhalf came by way of penalty kick. Senior Gabe Walker found himself inside the eighteen and was fouled. Walker then chose sophomore Caleb McMurray to kick the penalty shot. McMurray did not disappoint as he smashed a score in the upper left side of the net giving the Knights their final margin of victory, 4-0.    The goal was not only an important to secure the victory it was the sophomore’s first goal of his career. McMurray is a full time defensive player.    During the post-game talk, Coach Josh Walker presented the defense as the recipients 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. Defensively, the Knights secured their second shutout over the last three games and fourth on the season. Wil Lehman, Owen Duncan, Luke Ikerd, Jack Zaliagiris, Aedan Arnot, Caleb McMurray, Spencer Burton and Nate Walls all contributed to the shutout.    The Knights return to the pitch on Monday October 8 against Statesville Christian @ Henry Fork Park with a 4:00 start time. With a win the Knights would wrap up first place in the SPAA and likely secure a top five spot in the 2-A NCISAA state playoffs. 

KNIGHTS PUT IT ALL TOGETHER, COLLECTIVELY AS A UNIT AND SECURE A 10-1 WIN OVER THE VISITORS FROM NORTHSIDE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY; 11-2-0 Overall, 4-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    HICKORY, NC- After a mostly cloudy day leading up to the start of the match, the sun broke free and shined brightly on the pitch, making for a warm afternoon which led to water breaks at the 20 minute marks of each half. The Knights would shine also as their performance was a focused, total team effort    Getting the Knights going early in the contest at minute number six was Garrison Mullis who was the recipient of a nice assist from Braden Whitford. Mullis, who has been on a scoring tear the last few games is finally healthy and the Knights are benefiting from his play. The next three goals came by way of a familiar name in the scoring column, senior Gabriel Walker. Two of Walkers goals were results of assists from Braden Whitford (three assists in the first half) with the other coming from sophomore Wyatt King.    Rounding out the scoring in the first half was Braden Runyon at minute thirty-seven on an assist from freshman Ian Benfield. Whitford then scored right before the halftime whistle on an assist from Benfield, his second assist for the first half.   Up 6-0 at halftime the Knights would not take the foot off the pedal and looked to have similar results as half number two got underway.   The Knights would score two more goals before Northside would hit net. Mullis scored his second goal of the contest at minute forty-six on an assist from his fellow classmate, sophomore Chase Collins. Then just one minute later Walker once again struck goal with his fourth goal of the contest. Walker’s goal was a result of a nice assist from freshman Walker Harris. These two goals put the Knights up 8-0.   At minute number sixty-one the visitors from Northside Christian academy would float one high into the net for their first and only score of the contest, making the score 8-1 in favor of the host Knights.   Mullis, on an assist from Walker and Wyatt King, on an assist from Mullis would score the final two goals of the contest, giving the Knights a 10-1 victory.    Holding the visitors to just one goal was the result of a tenacious defense that stepped up big time. All the Knights players who were able to play saw action and received valuable minutes that should prove huge as the final two weeks of the season and playoffs unfold.    Sophomore Braden Whitford 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. Whitford, who has come on strong the last couple of weeks finished the game with three assists and one goal. The sophomore jumpstarted the Knights offense as all of his assists came in the first twenty-seven minutes of the contest. Whitford was active in the middle of the pitch and his play proved pivotal throughout the contest.   The Knights return to a 5-7:15 practice at TI on Monday October 1. The next game on schedule is against University Christian, a cross-town and conference rival on Tuesday October 2 @ 4:00. 

KNIGHTS WIN IN DRAMATIC FASHION OVER RIVAL STATESVILLE CHRISTIAN 2-1; 8-1-0 Overall, 2-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    STATESVILLE, NC- Just two days after the Knights traveled down to Mooresville and captured a win in their first conference game of the season, a 9-1 decision over Woodlawn School, the Knights were on the road for a tough matchup against rival and conference foe Statesville Christian Lions.   With Hurricane Florence fast approaching the North and South Carolina coast, the Lions and Knights once again gave their fans a game that would be forever etched into the memories of players, coaches and fans alike as it would take overtime to decide a winner.    The Knights managed a couple of opportunities in the first half but were not able to capitalize. At minute number seventeen senior Wil Lehman barely missed a penalty kick just left of the post. Then shortly before half, sophomore Chase Collins received a cross from the right side and placed a shot on goal only to see the ball ricochet off the crossbars. The score at half 0-0.    Coach Walker kept his team calm and collected during the halftime meeting and stressed patience, ball control and hustle. These things would give the Knights the best opportunity to come out ahead if implemented on the field of play.   Not until the games sixty-seventh minute would any team score goal. But the host Lions capitalized on an opportunity, navigating through the middle of the Knights defense, giving them a 1-0 lead late in the contest. Fortunately for the Knights, senior Wil Lehman threw a monster throw in from the sidelines and as the ball sailed through the air, freshman Braden Runyon found an opening and leapt high above all defenders and headed the ball into the back of the net. This remarkable play tied the score 1-1 with just four minutes remaining in the contest.    Both teams would battle the final four minutes and head into a 10 minute, sudden death overtime period.   As the team joined together before the overtime period, 2ndyear assistant coach Daryl Carter made some key offensive and defensive changes and gave the Knights a motivational speech, one that mirrored Vince Lombardi of the great Green Bay Packers. Carter, a humble man, would never say it himself but his decisions proved to be the difference for the Knights. (Ok, had to do this at least once this year and was inspired by Joel Whitford – LOL)   During the overtime period the Knights conditioning was paying off as the first 7 minutes of the period was ball control and pressure defense. As the 8-minute mark of the overtime period approached, there was a mad scramble at the eighteen in front of the Lions goal. Sophomore Garrison Mullis found the ball on his foot and punched it in the back of the net. The celebration was delayed due to a foul (handball on the Lions) and after concurring with the second official the Knights were awarded the goal and victory in stunning fashion. A celebration ensued for the Knights.   Garrison Mulliswas 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. Mullis, who returned two days earlier for his first game in over two weeks was the hero of the contest. In addition to his heroics in overtime, the sophomore played solid on the offensive side and was a force to be reckoned with throughout the contest.   The Knights have the weekend off and will return with a morning run at TI on Monday September 17th@ 6:30 am. The next game on schedule is against North Hills Christian at Henry Fork on Thursday September 20th. Game time is set for 4:00 pm.   Learn more about the Knights next opponent here:    http://www.northhillschristian.com/about-nhcs/

KNIGHTS REBOUND FROM FIRST LOSS OF SEASON TO BEAT VERITAS CHIRISTIAN ACADEMY 3-1;6-1-0 Overall, 0-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    HICKORY, NC- Two days after Hickory Christian took their first loss of the season, the Knights came back strong with a valiant effort to knock off the visitors from Fletcher, NC. The game had two weather delays due to the pending thunderstorms, the first for 45 minutes and the second for 30 minutes. Both teams were given 7 minute warm up periods after each delay.    To get the Knights started off strong, senior Gabe Walker, on an assist from freshman Braden Runyon, scored just nine minutes into the contest. Up 1-0, the Knights would have to battle the visiting Warriors for the next thirty minutes before another goal would be scored. Fortunately for the Knights, the second goal of the contest would be from Senior Luke Ikerd. Ikerd was the beneficiary of a nice pass from sophomore Caleb McMurray. This upped the score for the Knights, 2-0 in minute number 39, just seconds before the halftime whistle would blow.    As the Knights and Warriors came out for the second half of play, both teams knew it would be a fight to the finish and any goals scored would be contested by a tenacious defense. For the next twenty-seven minutes both teams would get their chances but were unable to capitalize on the offensive side.   The Warriors from Veritas Christian Academy found the back of the net at minute number sixty-seven, cutting the Knights deficit in half and the score now read 2-1 in favor of the home team. Freshman Ian Benfield out hustled his counterpart to move the ball down the left side of the pitch and found senior Gabe Walker open in the middle of the field. Walker would take a few dribbles en route to his second goal of the evening providing the Knights a little cushion at 3-1 with less than 5 minutes left to play. By rule Benfield did not receive credit for the assist but it was his hustle that certainly led to the Knights going up by two goals. During the final five minutes of the contest neither team would mount any offensive threat and the Knights were able to hold on for the win, 3-1.   Ian Benfield 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. Benfield, who just last game was given honorable mention for his improved play, shined throughout the contest giving the Knights much needed minutes off the bench.    The Knights have the weekend off through Monday and will return to practice at TI field on Tuesday September 4th@ 5:00. The next game on schedule is more than a week out, an away game on Tuesday September 11that Woodlawn School. This will be the first SPAA conference game of the season for the Knights.   Learn more about Woodlawn here: http://woodlawnschool.net/aurora/index.php

KNIGHTS TAKE FIRST LOST OF SEASON FALLING TO GASTON DAY SCHOOL 3-0; 5-1-0 Overall, 0-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    HICKORY, NC- Hickory Christian Academy suffered the first lost of the 2018 season on a blistering hot day on the pitch as temperatures exceeded 93 degrees. It marked the first regular season loss in twenty 26 games, a streak that started in 2017.   The visitors from Gastonia, NC, the #1 ranked 2A team in the state, scored at minutes 7, 30 and 45 respectively.    For the short-handed Knights, despite the loss, it was a valuable experience to grow from and there is no doubt they will respond with an even greater determination and focus as the season continues. During the post game review, Coach Walker emphasized getting better via better ball control and patience.    Aedan Arnot 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. Arnot played his best ball of this young season, handling the ball with touch, finding the open teammate and placing the ball in great position. The senior, who has been dealing with a quad injury, was aggressive and used his athleticism and wit on the defensive side to hold his opponent in check throughout the contest.   Senior Owen Duncan and freshman Ian Benfield received praise from Coach Walker for their outstanding performances.   The Knights have Wednesday off to rest their legs but return to action in a home game against another formidable opponent, Veritas Christian Academy on Thursday August 30that Henry Fork Park. The contest is slated to begin at 4:00.   Learn more about Vertias here: https://veritasnc.org

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 34thand 38thminute 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 28that Henry Fork Park. The contest is slated to begin at 4:00.  

KNIGHTS PLAY A COMPLETE GAME ON BOTH SIDES SECURING 8-1 VICTORY OVER WESTMINSTER CATAWBA CHRISTIAN; 4-0-0 Overall, 0-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    HICKORY, NC- The HCA Knights welcomed the visitors from Rock Hill, SC to a rainy and wet Henry Fork Park for a rematch of last year’s contest which the Knights also recorded a victory against their 2A foe. Across the pitch were many dedicated fans braving the weather conditions to cheer on the home Knights.   This game, like others this young season, saw the Knights opponent strike goal first as the visiting Indians jumped out 1-0 at the 8thminute mark. The next 20 minutes would be scoreless as the Indians packed it in tight on the back line, seemingly playing it safe to keep the contest low scoring.    However, the Knights were tenacious with their attack, exercising ball control as sophomore Braden Whitford found senor Gabe Walker for goal at minute 28 of the contest. Despite the visitors from Rock Hill continuing to pack it in tight to hold off a potential scoring onslaught, the Knights would score two more goals before the halftime whistle. Senior Gabe Walker would score just 3 short minutes after his first goal of the contest on an assist from freshman Braden Runyon moving the score to 2-1 in favor of the Knights. Freshman Stephen Frye entered the contest and made a beautiful move on his defender and blasted a shot that found the back of the net to take the score to 3-1, giving the Knights a two goal advantage heading into halftime. Frye was a recipient of sophomore’s Caleb McMurray’s assist.    In preparing the Knights for the second half during the break, coach Josh Walker predicted the visitors form Rock Hill would play a different strategy and “pull” out and not pack the back line as the Indians would be more offensive minded to attempt to score more goals. Another part of his halftime talk was that he challenged his squad not to give up a score in the upcoming half. To this point of the season the Knights have been scored on during each half of play and is not indicative of past teams under Walker. More on these two points as we recap the 2ndhalf.    During half number two the Knights would follow through on Walker’s halftime talk as the hosts would score 5 unanswered goals. Starting things off in the scoring column was once again Gabe Walker in minute 45. Caleb McMurray had the assist, his second straight assist of the contest. Next was Braden Runyon as he hit net in minute 64 on an assist from Freshman Walker Harris who was in position to find ball off a corner kick and sent the assist to Runyon.    Walker (goals at minute 68,71) and Runyon (2 more assists to Walker) would connect taking the score to 7-1 in favor of the Knights. Near the end of the contest, freshman Stephen Frye once again was hustling on the pitch and punched in his second goal of the afternoon. He was on the receiving end of Braden Runyon’s assist.    Leading the way offensively for the Knights was Walker who had five goals, Stephen Frye two goals and Braden Runyon one goal. Runyon was the catalyst on the offensive side as he finished with four assists. McMurray had two assists, Whitford and Harris one respectively. Sophomore Wyatt King continued his improved play in the middle of the field, possessing and finding his teammates feet on numerous occasions. Senior Luke Ikerd performed admirably and provided the spark both offensively and defensively at his forward position.   Sophomore Garrison Mullis sat out the contest nursing a bruised bone and will be out for the remainder of the week. He did however, man the camera and put his talents to good use. Also nursing injuries are senior Aedan Arnot (strained quad), senior Owen Duncan (shoulder), senior Jack Zaliagiris (knee), sophomore Chase Collins (toe).    Freshman Stephen Frye 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. Frye finished the game with two goals and provided valuable minutes for the Knights. The freshman has been progressing since the start of camp and will continue to be counted on for his contributions as the season moves along.    In addition to the second half onslaught of goals, the Knights defense answered coach Walker’s halftime challenge by not allowing a goal in the second half. It was the first half of action the Knights did not allow a goal all season. Leading the way on the defensive side was seniors Owen Duncan, Jack Zaliagiris, Wil Lehman and Aedan Arnot. Arnot would leave the contest early with a strained quad muscle. Also playing inspired minutes were junior Spencer Burton, sophomores Chase Collins, Nate Walls, and freshman Ian Benfield.    The Knights return to action as they travel to Davidson Day School this Thursday August 23rd. The contest is slated to begin at 5:00.

NIGHTS COMPLETE FIRST WEEK OF THE 2018 FALL SOCCER SEASON WITH THREE WINS AGAINST NO LOSSES AFTER A 5-3 VICTORY OVER SALEM BAPTIST; 3-0-0 Overall, 0-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    WINSTON SALEM, NC- The HCA Knights made a second trip this week to the Sara Lee Soccer Complex in Winston Salem to face Salem Baptist.    The match got off to a blistering pace as the Vikings from Salem Baptist scored goal before a minute had elapsed, taking a quick 1-0 advantage. The Knights answered almost immediately as Senior Gabe Walker took an assist from Sophomore Caleb McMurray to tie the score 1-1 in minute number three.   At minute number seven, the Vikings scored another goal but the Knights came right back within a matter of seconds when Gabe Walker found Sophomore Wyatt King in the middle of the box and King evened the score 2-2.    After witnessing four goals in the games first eight minutes, the fans traveling from Hickory received a little breathing room after Gabe Walker, taking an assist from Sophomore Garrison Mullins, found the back of the net giving the Knights a 3-2 lead at the twenty sixth minute. The score would remain 3-2 in favor of the Knights until half time.   Seven minutes into the 2ndhalf at minute number forty seven the Vikings struck once again and tied the score 3-3. But just one minute later in minute number forty eight, Senior Luke Ikerd made an awesome assist to Gabe Walker and Walker capitalized on the opportunity for goal and now the Knights were once again on top, 4-3.    Fortunately for the Knights Sophomore Wyatt King would locate Freshman Braden Runyon and the freshman punched it in the goal and moving the lead to 5-3 in minute fifty-three. With a flurry of offense during the games first fifty-three minutes the final twenty-seven would prove to be a defensive battle. As the final whistle sounded the Knights had secured the win 5-3.   Senior 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 3 goals, 1 assist and involved his teammates with unselfish play.      During the post game team recap, head coach Josh Walker emphasized that we have to hold better possession of the ball, particularly in the middle of the field. Also noted was the Knights need to secure the backline, communicate better and continue to improve their conditioning.      The Knights return to action with a home game against Westminster Catawba Christian School on Tuesday August 21st. The contest is slated to begin at 4:00 @ the Henry Fork Soccer Complex.

KNIGHTS GAIN WIN #2 OF THE 2018 FALL SOCCER SEASON SCORING A 4-2 WIN OVER THE FORSYTH HOMESCHOOLERS; 2-0-0 Overall, 0-0 Southern Piedmont Athletic Association (SPAA)    WINSTON SALEM, NC- As a follow up to winning the first game of the 2018 season, the Knights made the trek to the Sara Lee Soccer Complex in Winston Salem to face the Forsyth Homeschoolers. The Homeschoolers were coming off a great season a year ago and have high expectations for 2018. But this day would belong to the visiting Knights.   In the games 5th minute Senior Gabe Walker took a long kick from senior Will Lehman and showed his top end speed outrunning his defenders for an early 1-0 advantage. However the Homeschoolers would respond in minute number 34 with their first goal of the contest to knot the score 1-1.   In typical HCA fashion, the Knights would respond quickly at the 39th minute as once again Senior Gabe Walker broke free and received a pin point assist from Freshman Braden Runyon to give the visiting Knights a 2-1 advantage right before the half would expire.    While speaking to team at halftime, coach Josh Walker challenged each player to step it up and play better, play at a higher level and be more aggressive. The Knights took it to heart as the first 30 minutes of the second half was a back and forth battle of physicality and determination from both teams.    At this point of the contest you could sense that the next goal was going to be pivotal in the outcome of the game. So the Knights went to work on the offensive side as Freshman Braden Runyon scored an unassisted goal in minute 71 to move the score to 3-1 HCA advantage. But the Homeschoolers were tenacious and bounced back with a goal of their own at the 74 minute make to bring the score to 3-2 still in favor of the visiting Knights. Despite the enthusiasm and momentum from the Homeschoolers Senior Wil Lehman performed a huge over head thrown in from the right side of the pitch during minute number 77 that found Freshman Braden Runyon for his second goal of the contest and increase the margin to 4-2. Despite a valiant effort from Forsyth Homeschoolers the score would remain until the end of the contest.   For the game, the Knights welcomed back injured Senior Owen Duncan who held down the goalie position limiting the Homeschoolers to only a few shots on goal. The recipient of the games HCA Battle Ball, Duncan was in charge from the opening whistle, commanding his area and being aggressive out of the box. The Senior also communicated and managed the defensive back line which proved to be the difference in the game.   Also making his return to game action was Senior Aedan Arnot. Arnot had a busy summer as he first traveled to Scotland then England. Upon settling in Montana with family a once in a lifetime experience happened as a camp he was attending was washed out and the Senior had to be evacuated by helicopter. He then met with six different professional photographers, two of which worked for National Geographic and Smithsonian. Arnot has career ambitions of being a professional photographer himself.   In the team huddle at the conclusion of the game, head coach Josh Walker shared his thoughts on the win and what's to improve upon moving forward. "It was a win but not a pretty win. We've got to be better conditioned and communicate better." Walker also stated, "We must not allow teams to take away possession on the back line."   The Knights will now turn their attention to Friday's contest as they once again travel to Winston Salem against Salem Baptist Christian School. The context is slated to begin at 4:30 @ the Sara Lee Soccer Complex.