Gilmer High put itself to the test versus Class 7A Cherokee.
The GHS Bobcats and Lady Cats made the trip south last Tuesday, and the Warriors were victorious in both matches.
Cherokee was able to maintain much of the possession in the girls contest. CHS led by one at the break and added a pair of second half goals for a 3-0 win.
In the boys game, the Bobcats found themselves in a difficult matchup as well. The Warriors took advantage of a GHS defending error in the opening minutes for the match’s lone goal. The Cats’ attack was held in check all evening in a 1-0 defeat.
Lady Cats
CHS maintained possession for 65 percent of the match. The Warriors fired 21 shots, which included 10 in the first half. CHS broke through for the first goal off a corner kick after 11 minutes of play.
GHS goal keeper Angelica Castenada made four saves over the remainder of the half as Cherokee led, 1-0.
The Warriors added another goal seven minutes into the second half when they streaked through the middle of Gilmer’s defense. A 15-yard left-footed shot found the back of the net, and Cherokee’s third goal came just over three minutes later.
A CHS cross was not cleared, and it took just one pass to a wide-open forward on the right side of the box for a 16-yard goal inside the near post.
“It was a tough loss playing a quality team. We couldn’t take advantage of the opportunities presented,” said coach Adam Palmer. “The team gained valuable experience and never stopped fighting. Angelica made numerous saves in goal. Andrea Garcia-Aguilar and Selina Tercero-Bautista shored up the defense to hold a very talented team to three goals.”
Castenada made eight saves on the night for GHS. The Cats were limited to one shot and it was off target.
“Sophia Lykins, Amayah Jones and Faith Goodwin played very strong at forward, however, a very well-coached Cherokee team held them in check,” Palmer noted.
Bobcats
Cherokee maintained similar possession in the boys match while also keeping the Bobcats’ offense under wraps.
A CHS cross was met by a Bobcat defender, but he was unable to keep control of the ball. The deflection rolled right to a Warrior forward for a 17-yard goal 3:30 into the match.
Cherokee had 15 shots in the first half and 12 more in the second. Only one attempt in the second half was on target, and GHS goalkeeper Talyn Curtis made eight saves on the night.
The Warriors held onto their lead over the final 40 minutes of play. Over that span, a CHS player was issued a red card and ejected from the game, and the Warriors’ head coach received a yellow card.
“I believe it is crucial that we play teams that are better than us to help build up our program,” said head coach Taylor Johnstone. “I was extremely proud to see our boys play the way they did. We played physical and with great intensity. We kept our composure as the game got chippy. We have a good team who is continuing to improve every day. We are a young team and are relying on some of these young guys to continue to make plays.”
Johnstone added, “I would like to thank everyone who made the drive down to Canton to support us. Their support was needed and played a huge role throughout the game. I can’t wait to see how we do as we start region play this year.”
The Lady Cats have a 3-1 overall record while the Bobcats are 3-2. Gilmer faced Union County at press deadline and will host West Hall Friday at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.