Soccer Cats stay busy leading into district tourney

The last three weeks before the District Tournament are busy ones for the Fredericktown High School Soccer Team.

October 10, the Fredericktown Blackcats Boys Soccer team traveled to Sikeston. 

Fredericktown trailed 4-0 at the half.

Coach Brandon Hale said “Defensively the Cats looked much improved over previous games even though the final score of 10-0 didn’t show it.”

Hale said Jesse Stufflebean in the goal had countless saves, and Tommy Abernathy had six defensive blocks and contributed greatly to the team being able to finish the game. 

Hale also mentioned Freshman Stephen Polk came on strong at midfield and worked well with the older players.

October 11, Fredericktown won 7-2 against Eagle Ridge in Jackson. 

FHS struck first on a goal by Garett Burns.  The second goal was scored by freshman Tyler Helm assisted by Alex Branum, and a third came by Branum himself. 

Eagle Ridge answered with two goals. 

Coach Hale said he told the boys at the half: “It is imperative that you give your offense a chance to continue winning this game. Defense you have to pull together.”

The defense stood up, shutting out Eagle Ridge in the second half.

Offensively, senior Nathan Jordon would score his first goal of the season.  Helm added a second goal. Freshman Luke Wagganer and Garret Burns finished out the scoring.

October 12, the Cats took on Saxony and lost, 7-2.  Saxony scored four unanswered goals before Garret Burns got an assist from Alex Branum.  At the half the score was 5-1. 

“Having three games back to back to back is difficult on athletes physically,” Coach Hale said. 

The Cats defense improved in the second half, allowing just two more goals. 

Hale said Logan Underwood and Stephen Polk both played well in the defensive back position. 

The Cats last goal was scored by Alex Branum assisted by Tyler Helm.

October 17, the Cats lost, 10-0, to Perryville.

Hale said the Cats defense held well for the first eight minutes of the game when Perryville struck first. 

“Stephen Polk came on strong at mid-field and helped keep the game close during those first ten minutes,” Hale said. 

Caleb Steska at midfield would make several runs for the Cats, who trailed 7-0 at the half.

In the second half the Cats managed four shots on goal. 

Things don’t get any easier for the Cats this week.They hosted St. Pius and played at St. Clair, Monday and Tuesday.

They are at Farmington, tonight. Then, the team wraps up the regular season, Thursday, here. It will be Senior Night, as the Cats host the North County Raiders.