Gilmer wrapped up its region soccer schedule and secured another win.
The GHS Bobcats faced the previously undefeated Northwest Whitfield Bruins (11-1) last Tuesday. NHS is the region’s top team and they notched a 3-1 win over the Cats. Gilmer was back at home Friday for its region finale versus the LaFayette Ramblers. GHS was the far superior team and strolled to a 7-1 win.
GHS head coach Taylor Johnstone noted he deployed a new formation at Northwest. He said the Cats appeared “uncomfortable” and NHS was up 2-0 10 minutes into the match.
The Bruins took a 3-0 lead into the half and the Cats ditched their new tactics over the final 40 minutes. They found success counterattacking and Ronald Cuz netted the Cats’ goal. It marked his first of four on the week as he was soon to be the program’s seasonal record holder for goals.
LaFayette gave the Cats too much space to operate and paid for it two minutes into the match. LHS gave the ball away in its own territory and Keby Puac made a 12-yard run and dribbled away from three converging defenders and scored from the top of the box from 18 yards out.
Cuz scored his first of three goals three minutes later. He received a pass down the right wing, dribbled into the box and shook a defender. He scored his 15-yard goal with a shot inside the far post.
It was Puac’s turn again in the match’s ninth minute. GHS continued to attack from the right flank. Puac dribbled around defenders once again and his 20-yard goal moved GHS ahead, 3-0.
Less than two minutes later, the Cats deployed the same method of attack. LHS still did not pressure Cuz, who turned and fired from the top of the box. This time he sent a laser inside the near post from 20 yards out.
Puac then played a high through ball to Cuz. He outraced the Ramblers to the ball, and his 13-yard shot put GHS ahead, 5-0, with 27 minutes remaining in the half. It also established a new standard for goals in a season with 16.
Ten minutes later, Calvin Lian gave GHS a 6-0 advantage with an 8-yard chip from the left side. The Cats tacked on a goal in the final minute of the half. The Bobcats were fouled in the box and goalkeeper Landon Hamby pelted the penalty kick into the back of the net.
LHS cut into the Cats’ lead with a goal in the second half but it was not nearly enough.
The victory improved Gilmer to 8-7 on the season and 4-2 versus region opponents. GHS hosted Southeast Whitfield (9-4) at press deadline.