PC Soccer team stunned in 38th District Semis

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    The Pendleton County High School Wildcat soccer team had a lot of determination going into district play. However, it all came to an end in the 38th District semifinals to Mason County last Tuesday, October 13.
    The Royals scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the game, and the Wildcats could never  get the goal they needed to tie the game and lost a heartbreaker 3-2 to eventual district champion Mason County.
    “Giving up an early goal is never good for the confidence. When you give up two, that obviously impacts the overall flow of the match,” Wildcat head coach Brian Adams explained. “For about 20 minutes, we were visibly deflated. Credit to the players; eventually they lifted their heads up and really started to compete in the last 20 minutes of the half.”
    The Wildcats did get a goal late in the first half by senior Noah Barnard and were down just 2-1 at halftime. However, the Royals struck early in the second and led again by two, 3-1.
    “We had all the momentum going into halftime but were unable to continue that after the restart. It was the same story as the first half, we dropped our heads and drifted out of the game for a bit,” Coach Adams said.
    The Wildcats did get a goal by senior Ethan Courts with less than 10 minutes left of the game, but that was all they could muster in the 3-2 defeat.
    “We lifted our heads and pushed all the way to the final whistle trying to get another goal.  Unfortunately, the goal didn’t come,” Coach Adams said.
    Senior Connor Farwell was again sharp at goalie, stopping 24 shots. Also, seniors Tyler Caudill and Tyler Volz each had an assist in the game.
    Despite the early loss in district play, Coach Adams feels like it has been a successful season. Especially with the pandemic over the last seven months, he is glad they were able to have a season.
    “This group of players were really talented, and it would have been a shame, especially for the seniors if they wouldn’t have been able to compete,” Coach Adams explained. “Sports is like life; there are always going to be successes and failures. I hope that these young men are able to appreciate the successes and grow from the failures to help them become well-rounded adults.”
    Coach Adams went on to say that he wanted to thank the 12 seniors that he had on the team this season. They will be missed.
    “I’ve told them before, but for anyone who hasn’t been around this group, their competitive attitude is something that can never be questioned,” he said. “As they mature and harness that drive a little more, it can be a huge asset for them finding their place in the world.”
    Mason County would go onto shutout Harrison County, 2-0, in the championship game.