Shorthanded, no problem for Farragut soccer

Short-handed Farragut High School took the fight to Christian Academy of Knoxville Thursday night in a non-district battle of state soccer powers.

After losing Paul Calkins to a red card early, the host Admirals still managed to pull out a 3-2 win despite playing a man short for the final 72 minutes.

“This is a high character group,” said Farragut coach Ray Dover.

“It’s all on the kids - they won the game. I remember being in a game where we were down a man, and it’s not easy.”

Senior three-year starter Austin Bihlmeyer scored the game-winning goal in the 75th minute as Farragut improved to 5-0-1.

Matt Zaczyk’s penalty kick put the Warriors (1-1) on top following Calkins’ foul in the box as CAK had the early momentum.

But Farragut struck back in shocking fashion late in the first half, scoring two goals in 41 seconds to go up 2-1 at the half.

Wes Jeter tallied on a left-footed kick with 6:13 remaining. Bihlmeyer then converted a cross from Jeter into another score as Farragut took charge.

“Austin Bihlmeyer and Wes Jeter made it happen tonight,” said Dover.

CAK coach Jon Day said it was the kind of lapse that you can’t afford against a team like Farragut.

“We lost our competitive edge for about eight minutes, and a team like Farragut will penalize you every time,” said Day.

“This was a great squad we played against tonight and a great experience for us, but we were looking for more tonight. I’m still looking to see a little more of a competitive edge from our team.”

Davis Clothier pulled the Warriors even with a direct kick in the 52nd minute before Bihlmeyer pulled off the game-winning shot.

Shooting for six: CAK is trying to make it back to the state Class A/AA championship game for the sixth season in a row. The Warriors are 3-2 in state title games over the past five years, and have an overall record of 104-14-5 during the championship streak. CAK’s boys have won nine state championships in soccer.