Gilmer Bobcat soccer hit the road last Wednesday and ran into a ravenous bunch of Cherokee Bluff Bears.
CBHS built a three-goal lead by halftime and netted five more in the second half to claim a 9-1 victory over Gilmer.
“They were very good and had a strong squad. They are going to do well in region play and make a run in state,” said GHS head coach Simon Phipps. “We found it hard to keep up with their speed, passing and game control. Sometimes you are just beaten by a better team on the night, and they were faster to the ball than us.”
The Bears were quick to capitalize on Bobcat miscues and fired shots early and often. A pair of CBHS shots found the back of the net within six minutes of play as the Bears took control.
GHS goalkeeper Noah Turner was there to make saves but shots kept coming. The Bears were able to add two more goals before the break, but GHS was able to get one back.
Bobcat junior Julien Withrow was fouled inside the box, and he scored the ensuing penalty to trim the Bears’ halftime lead to 4-1.
In the second half, Bobcat senior Tyler Jack had several shots on goal, but he was unable to get the ball past the Bears’ goalkeeper.
Cherokee Bluff continued to press forward in the second half and tallied five more goals.
“The boys were disappointed with their overall performance, and they saw some areas that they can improve on,” Phipps said. “We are working hard to close this kind of gap and be as prepared as possible for when we run into such talented teams.”
GHS has a 5-2 overall record and traveled to Pickens at press deadline.