EK’s Streby wins Northmor Cross-Country Invite; Knights, Lady Freddies win team competition
At the Northmor Cross County Invite on Aug. 22, Nathan Streby of East Knox won with a time of 17:02.38, more than 13 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, Ryan Lehman of Northmor, at 17:15.53.
Other top sores from local runners included Owen Krabill (Fredericktown), fifth in 18.18.45, Lucas Weaver (Northmor), seventh in 18:54.78, Joel Roberts (Highland), eighth in 19:06.11 and Noah Smith (Fredericktown), 10th in 19:14.65.
Northmor won the competition by three points over Pleasant; Fredericktown finished third, Highland was fourth and East Knox came in fifth. Northmor had five runners of the top 20 finishers, Highland three, Fredericktown three and East Knox two.
In the girls’ competition, Loudonville’s Tess Shultz won the run in 21:06.37, nearly 42 seconds ahead of second-place finisher Elsa Hoam of Fredericktown (21:48.05). Top finishers included Taylor Severt (East Knox), third place; Kate Lehman (Northmor) fifth in 21:57.78; Adrian Clutter (East Knox) sixth in 22:04.78; Natalie Hunter (Northmor) seventh in 22:17.08; and Lauren Garber (Highland) eighth in 22:21.59. Fredericktown won the girls event by six points over Northmor; Highland finished in fourth and East Knox sixth, among eight schools. Fredericktown had five runners finish among the top 20, Northmor three, Highland three and East Knox two.
Lady Scots soccer ties Lakewood, 0-0
A tale of two halves was the story Aug. 27 when the Lady Scots took on the undefeated Lakewood Lady Lancers (2-0-1) at Fishburn Family Field. Lakewood had the better of scoring chances in the first half but couldn't convert. In the second half, the Lady Scots took control of the game and had multiple scoring chances but also couldn't capitalize. The game ended in a 0-0 tie, which was the Lady Scots' first draw in 34 games. Goalkeeper Kayley Smith saved 12 of 12 shots for the Lady Scots to earn her first clean sheet of the season. The Lady Scots saw their record go to 1-1-1.
Highland boys soccer takes Lakewood, 3-1
The Highland boys soccer team welcomed Lakewood in for a late Saturday afternoon contest at Fishburn Family Field. The Scots got on the board 32 seconds into the game as Mason Keller followed up a misplayed ball by the visiting goalkeeper to give the home team the early 1-0 lead. The Scots continued to apply pressure but were unable to increase their lead. The visitors' strategy of playing long balls over the top finally paid off in the 27th minute, leveling the contest at 1-1.
The Scots continued to play their game, applying pressure on the Lakewood goal. With 6 minutes left in the half, Dylan Thomas served a ball into the opponents’ box to Zane Sheets. With a precise first touch, he buried a blistering shot to the far bar. The Scots took their 2-1 lead into the locker room at halftime.
During the break, the coaching staff stressed the fundamentals of playing Highland-style soccer. The solid play of goalkeeper Hendrick Karya helped preserve the Scots' slim lead. On-field leadership by senior sweeper Cody Thomas frustrated the Lakewood offense. The result remained in doubt as both teams battled through sweltering heat.
With 6 minutes remaining, Thomas cleaned up a loose rebound to give the Scots a 3-1 advantage. Keller put forth a gutsy defensive performance, solidifying the Highland defense.
The total team effort enabled the Scots to win their first game of the season.
