The next man stepped up for the Gilmer Bobcats, who won both soccer matches last week.
Gilmer was at Adairsville (0-10 record) Tuesday, and the Tigers saw a different Bobcat team. GHS started five new players following the recent suspensions and player departures stemming from their March 7 game versus Calhoun. The revamped lineup did not seem to affect the Cats, who rolled to a 7-0 win.
GHS hosted Ridgeland (4-5) two days later, and the Panthers found themselves on the losing end as well. The Cats nearly tripled Ridgeland’s shots, and they scored before the half. Gilmer denied RHS over the final 40 minutes for a 1-0 win.
Gilmer maintained possession for 63 percent of the Adairsville match and outshot the Tigers 29-2. The Cats also had their best passing match of the season at a success rate of 83 percent.
In the game’s fourth minute, AHS opted not to put any pressure on Bobcat Angel Reynoso, who received the ball from a throw-in along the left wing. He calmly took a dribble to his right before launching a 20-yard shot. The ball flew over the goalkeeper’s head and inside the far post.
Right after 20 minutes of play, Kashane Perigo gained possession in a dangerous spot and scored from the top of the box, 16 yards out.
Ronald Cuz got loose on a breakaway moments later for his first of three goals and a 3-0 Gilmer lead. He scored in the same fashion in the opening minutes of the second half for two more goals and a 5-0 lead.
Juan Alonzo netted the sixth goal on a through ball that he scored inside the near post. Keby Puac made the margin 7-0 when he knocked in a penalty kick.
Possession was even against Ridgeland, but Gilmer produced more shots (21-8). The Cats were much more accurate with passes and completed 71 percent compared to only 57 for the Panthers.
Cuz offered three shots through 14 minutes, and it appeared his last was for a goal, but he was called offside. Cuz and Puac led the offensive charge as Gabriel Reynoso, Brayan Bravo, and Calvin Lian also got open for shots.
GHS scored the match’s only goal with 14 minutes left in the half. Puac’s centered pass found Bravo right in front of the net for a goal.
Gilmer took its lead into the locker room and did not give up any ground in the second half. RHS was able to muster four shots, and the three that were on target were saved by Landon Hamby.
GHS has a 7-6 record and is 3-1 in the region. GHS faced Northwest Whitfield (10-0) at press deadline and hosts LaFayette (4-8) Friday at 7:30 p.m.