Wildcats down Houston Bears in “War-Town”

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The men from Houston County have been shut out by three different opponents over the course of their 2022 campaign.

The Valdosta Wildcats were pumped from the start of the match, as they were seen celebrating prior to the game. Coach Ingram’s Lady Bears are comprised of 16 seniors’ upperclassmen, which have been the reason behind Houston’s early success. Houston County’s Padraig Littlefield scored in the 2-1 loss to Valdosta.

Davis Shaw, Luke Rigby and George Penalabrada have been the main leaders of 2022, but Goalkeeper Landon McAlister has wrecked havoc for opponents. McAlister has saved over 20 shots from being scored, but against Valdosta, it was different.

Last Friday, the Houston County Bears hosted Valdosta Lady Wildcats, which became a barnburner. HOCO fell behind early on, while Valdosta lead towards the end of the first half of play. By the twenty-ninth minute, the game was still scoreless.

The Wildcats took to control in the final minute of the first period. HOCO senior Luke Rigby was an electric defender in Friday’s match, but could not spark the Bears defense. After a very defensive first half, the Wildcat lead heading into halftime, 1-0.

In the second half of play, Houston came out relentless. The Bears gained momentum, allowing just one more goal and scoring a goal of their own. Valdosta beat the Houston County Bears in this region 1-6A matchup, 2-1. Delroy Mathis scored Valdosta’s lone goal, late in the second period.

This match was important. Houston County moved up to the third spot in region 1-6A. Coach Cassandra Ingram and the Houston County Bears soccer team has struggled at times throughout their 2022 campaign. Though the Bears may play up or down to their competition, HOCO has scored 31 goals in 13 games, allowing 29 goals.

The Houston Bears has some work to do. The Bears are in tough region 1-6A, but Coach Ingram’s team is focused on their upcoming region matchups. The Bears will host a region foe on this week. Coming into “War-Town” is Lee County, on Friday. Coach Cassandra Ingram and the Houston County Bears are 7-6 overall, but are 2-1 in region 1-6A.

Other than Valdosta, the Houston County Bears played Tift County recently. The Bears traveled to Tifton on Tuesday March 15, to face the 9-1-1 Blue Devils. Stats and coaching comments were not available until after HHJ’s Sports deadline on Tuesday morning. As of now, the Bears prepare for the Trojans from Leesburg.

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