The Gilmer High Bobcats demolished Dawson County for their fifth soccer victory of the season.
GHS welcomed the Tigers to Huff-Mosley Memorial Stadium last Friday, and the nonregion tilt was a one-sided affair from the start. Gilmer took a two-goal lead into the half and erupted for six more goals over the final 40 minutes for a 9-1 win.
Leading Gilmer’s goal-scoring barrage was striker Liam Engel. He outpaced DCHS defenders all night and netted four goals with two coming in each half. His first goal came just after three minutes of play and was assisted by Brayner Ortiz.
Just past the midpoint of the half, Engel got loose on a breakaway and dribbled 40 yards before blasting a close-range shot into the middle of the net.
Ortiz added Gilmer’s next goal eight minutes before halftime. He took the ball from the right wing and dribbled into the middle of the field and into the box for a 11-yard goal from the left side.
Dawson’s first shot came with seven minutes on the clock, and it smacked off the right post. However, DCHS was granted a penalty kick and scored in the waning seconds of the half. GHS goalkeeper Talyn Curtis saved the penalty kick, but Dawson knocked in the rebound.
GHS was quick to add to its 3-1 advantage in the second half. After 40 seconds of play, Engel’s cross found Daniel Vargas in the box, and his shot was deflected. The ball rolled right back to Vargas, and he pelted it into the right side of the net.
Engel got loose on another breakaway five minuets into the half and made the score 5-1 in Gilmer’s favor.
Seven minutes later, Keby Puac took a 19-yard free kick from the left hash mark and curled the ball over the keeper’s head and into the right side of the net.
With 21:50 on the clock, Ortiz knocked the ball loose in a dangerous position. Alex Tercero corralled the ball and sent another pinpoint cross into the box. Engel’s header was saved, but he tapped in the rebound for a 7-1 lead.
With 13:43 to play, Bobcat William Zarate was there when Dawson defenders were unable to clear the ball and he scored from 9 yards out. Seven minutes later, Fredy Ramirez’s 9-yard free kick skimmed under the bar for the Cats’ ninth goal.
DCHS had nine shots on the night and only two were on target. GHS goalkeeper Talyn Curtis was there to make a pair of saves.
Gilmer is 5-1 overall and began region action Tuesday at LaFayette. GHS hosts Heritage Thursday at 7:30 p.m.