Gilmer High was tasked with facing the region’s two highest scoring soccer teams in the same week.
The GHS Lady Cats hosted undefeated Dawson County last Tuesday, and the Tigers gained a two-goal lead by the half. Gilmer fought back in the second, but DCHS was able to escape with a 3-2 win.
The Cats ended the week Friday in White County. The Warriors came out firing and continually found the back of the net. The game was called in the second half when the Warriors scored their 10th goal for a shutout victory.
Dawson jumped to a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes of play before head coach Adam Palmer made some halftime adjustments, which sparked the offense.
“We came out flat in the first half, and Dawson came out organized,” said Palmer.
“We switched from a 5-3-2 formation to a 3-4-3 in the second half and scored two quick goals, one by Faith Goodwin and the other by Yenifer Lopez.”
Palmer noted that starting goalkeeper Angelica-Castenada was used at center mid, which allowed Maria Raymundo-Francisco to make her varsity debut in goal.
Dawson was able to break the 2-2 tie in the second half before the Cats thought they had momentarily tied the score again.
“We scored an equalizer by Sophia Lykins, but it was unfortunately called offsides,” Palmer said. “Dawson came into the game 9-0. We are very proud of our team making the quick changes while maintaining quality play against a tough opponent.”
White County entered Friday’s match averaging over four goals per game. The older, more experienced Warriors found success early and often versus the Cats. WCHS netted eight goals in the first half and added two more in the second for a 10-0 lead.
The match was immediately called because of goal differential. Palmer hopes his team focuses on the future with formidable opponents on the horizon.
“After the game, I reminded the team to focus on what we can control, and that begins with a strong commitment to the work and process to prepare for the games ahead,” he said. “We maintained composure when things didn’t go the way we anticipated. We are encouraged in our growth as a team in that regard. We have encountered many situations this season where our composure and will is tested and we have continued to fight and stick to our plan.
“We may not have the size and experience, but we can continue to work hard to improve. We must have a short memory and prepare for a strong Lumpkin team.”
GHS has a 3-4-1 overall record and hosted unbeaten Lumpkin at press deadline. The Cats will travel to Jasper Friday to play Pickens at 5 p.m.