Dobyns-Bennett’s Wyatt Arrowood works his way through Sevier County defenders Yankell Reyes (15) and Tanner Lawhorn (15) in the first half of Tuesday’s Region 1-AAA soccer semifinal.
Dobyns-Bennett’s Lucas Park turns upfield as Sevier County’s Anthony Gonzalez defends in the first half of Tuesday’s Region 1-AAA soccer semifinal.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD / SIX RIVERS MEDIA
Dobyns-Bennett’s Lucas Park turns upfield as Sevier County’s Anthony Gonzalez defends in the first half of Tuesday’s Region 1-AAA soccer semifinal.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD / SIX RIVERS MEDIA
Dobyns-Bennett’s Andy Salas controls the ball in the rain as Sevier County’s Nigrman Herrera defends.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD / SIX RIVERS MEDIA
Dobyns-Bennett’s Wyatt Arrowood works his way through Sevier County defenders Yankell Reyes (15) and Tanner Lawhorn (15) in the first half of Tuesday’s Region 1-AAA soccer semifinal.
JEFF BIRCHFIELD / SIX RIVERS MEDIA
Dobyns-Bennett’s Andy Cruz is able to keep Sevier County’s Kevin Rodriguez at bay during Tuesday’s Region 1-AAA soccer semifinal.
KINGSPORT — Dobyns-Bennett knew it wouldn’t be a vacation when facing Sevier County in Tuesday’s Region 1-AAA soccer semifinal.
Instead it turned out to be quite a thrill ride as the Indians held on for a 2-1 victory over the Smoky Bears at Indian Highland Park. The Indians (15-0-2) advanced to Thursday’s Region 1-AAA final at 6 p.m. against Science Hill. It also qualified them for sectionals for a third straight year.
“We knew they were going to be tough coming in. They didn’t make it to the region games for nothing,” Dobyns-Bennett coach Tony Weaver said. “They did a good job with their deep line, four in the back and a stopper. That caused a few problems, but we have to work around that. Hopefully, we will get over the hump. Of course, we’ve got Science Hill again and that’s always tough.”
Dobyns-Bennett is also tough, evident by the undefeated record. They were aggressive and had more scoring opportunities Tuesday night. Gavin Farmer took advantage of a nifty pass by Bryson Broadwater to give the Indians a 1-0 lead in the 31st minute. They allowed them to hold a one-goal advantage at the half.
“Bryson was getting ready to take the free kick and the other team wasn’t paying attention,” Farmer said. “I knew they weren’t going to come to me. The ball was a little wet and it made it harder for their keeper to get a foot on it. It got us started. ”
Brogan McGhee scored the team’s second goal off a rebound in the 54th minute for the 2-0 lead. But, Sevier County rallied in the final minutes as Josue Valladeres booted in a goal the 66th minute to give the Indians some anxious moments. Still, the Indians held on.
Lucas Park had a huge game in the midfield, and played a key role when teammate Cooper McLain went down with an injury. Weaver talked about Park being a tough, quality player able to line up anywhere on the field even at goalkeeper. Park knew it was time and others in the midfield to step up.
“Losing Cooper, he’s our best back, but to slide in there, it was huge,” Park said. “I had to give props to Ben (Guillen-Hamer). Without Ben in the midfield, that would have collapsed. As good as Bryson and Wyatt (Arrowood) are, we needed that third guy there or we were going to get countered on. Ben played it perfectly.”
Farmer also showed versatility by moving forward and it paid off handsomely for the Indians.
“Switching positions helped me out. The move up top, I felt comfortable,” Farmer said. “Brogan does a good job working to come off the ball, same as my wingers. The whole midfield did a good job getting me the ball in a pocket to see what I could do.”
Park was optimistic looking ahead both to the region championship, which will be the fourth matchup of the season with Science Hill, and Saturday’s sectional round.
“The past two years, we’ve been disappointed in our sectional, but this year we have everyone healthy,” Park said. “I think we’ll be great. I really feel like we have a shot at state.”
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