SPORTS

Crockett County started strong with young team

Michael Odom
USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

With one senior on the team and a new coach in Doug Wede at the helm, there were some definite questions on how good the Crockett County boys soccer team could be.

With no games during the first week of the season and an opener against South Gibson, which is usually near the top of the district, a slow start was expected.

But the Cavaliers proved that this team is ready to fight for one of the top seeds in the District 13 A-AA tournament already with a 1-0 win.

"They came together as a team," Wede said. "They are young and hungry, and they want to show that they are willing to step out and play for each other."

Crockett County's Ismael Juarez heads the ball during Thursday's game against South Gibson. Crockett defeated Crockett, 1-0.

Looking across the backline, Crockett County has three to four underclassmen on the field at any point during the game, but they played as a unit in the opener on Thursday, shutting out South Gibson.

"We have a lot of kids that have never played soccer before," Wede said. "Some are sophomores, some are freshmen that have never stepped on a soccer field. They are playing well.

Part of the ability to play intact defensively is that the lone senior Will Meeks is a defender.

"Having one senior is a struggle, but Will has stepped up as a young man to show leadership needed to provide an entire team with a quality example of what we need to bring to the table with all of these great teams in West Tennessee," Wede said.

The key is not to rest on this win because the season is long and there are other quality teams in District 13 A-AA like Dyersburg, Westview and McKenzie.

"We have a lot of work to do," Wede said. "We have to keep this win within reason and understand that there is an opportunity for anybody to come and beat us at any point."

Crockett County's Daniel Garcia is chased by South Gibson's Lane Allen during their game, Thursday evening. Crockett defeated South Gibson, 1-0.

Crockett County plays its first home game on Monday against Augustine before returning to action on Friday against last year's district champion Dyersburg.

"We are going to take this one game at a time, and I am not going to let my team let their heads get to big," Wede said. "They had fun, enjoyed the game. I don't think they knew what they were facing. They just came out and played ball."

The lone goal came from freshman Daniel Garcia on Thursday early in the first half. Garcia scored 19 goals during his eighth-grade middle school season.

"After any game, you are going to find things to work on," Wede said. "You are going to find holes or things to focus on."

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.