The Gilmer Bobcats squared off against the West Hall Spartans last week ahead of spring break.
The Bobcats hosted the region soccer match Friday and were able to garner a one-goal lead at halftime. The Spartans evened the score quickly in the second half and added two more goals en route to a 4-2 victory.
West Hall netted the game’s first goal shortly after getting off the bus, as the Spartans took a 1-0 lead in less than 90 seconds of play.
The Bobcats were able to even the score 13 minutes before halftime. Julien Withrow unleashed a free kick just outside the box. While the shot was saved, John Nix was there to collect the ball and score.
Less than a minute later, Bobcat Camden Lyles received a cross on the left wing from Tyler Jack, and he put the ball in the back of the net for a 2-1 lead.
It was West Hall who hammered home a close rebound to even the score at 2-2 just moments into the second half. Jack accounted for Gilmer’s next two shots, but one was saved while the other was wide.
GHS goalkeeper Noah Turner saved a pair of shots at the midway point of the half. The Spartans took a 3-2 lead after Turner made a diving save to his right. WHHS tapped in the rebound to pull ahead, 3-2.
With 10 minutes on the clock, the Spartans’ striker chipped the ball over Turner then headed it home for West Hall’s fourth goal.
Withrow was fouled in the box with eight seconds to play, but his penalty shot was saved and West Hall came away with a two-goal victory.
The Cats began the week Tuesday at Pickens and were roasted by the Dragons, 9-2.
Gilmer is 5-4 overall and will host Murray April 13.