The Kosciusko boys’ and girls’ soccer teams both scored four goal against Neshoba Central Monday, but with different results. The Lady Whippets won 4-3, but the Whippets were defeated 9-4.
The girls went up 2-0 midway through the first half when Lanna Nunley scored on an assist from Raven Purnell and a pass from Mary Patton Henderson set up Gracie Singletary for the second goal.
“Then we kind of fell into a little lull,” Coach Greg Cooper said. “We gave up two goals.”
An unassisted goal by Nunley made it 3-2 at the half, a lead the Lady Whippets never relinquished.
The second half was more of a defensive struggle after Neshoba Central changed its formation. Gracie Williams assisted on a Purnell goal to make it 4-2. Neshoba Central scored a late goal, but Kosciusko held on for the win.
Cooper gave credit to Anna Carol Gowan for her defensive play against Ella Jai Elliot, Neshoba Central's best striker.
“She is probably one of the better strikers we have seen,” said the coach.
Kosciusko changed formations during the game, with three defenders, five midfielders and two attackers, providing better offensive capabilities.
“It went well. Like anything, you have to believe in it,” Cooper said. “We're still not there yet, trusting everybody to do their job and trusting the formation to work. At the same time, it kind of opens us up defensively if we don't do our jobs correctly. Everything has a plus and a minus.”
BOYS
The Whippets also went to a 3-5-2 formation and Neshoba Central was abler to find holes in it. Cooper gave credit to the Rockets, especially strikers Cobie Spencer and Addison Dees.
“They have speed, and they have great control of the ball. They were able to expose us a little bit. A lot of through balls that we knew had the possibility of happening with the new formation,” said Cooper. “We hope to correct that.”
Jon Gant had a big night for Kosciusko with three goals and an assist on a goal by Robert Pickle. One of Gant's goal was unassisted. Jorge Orduna and Dan Lindsay assisted on the others.
The Whippets and Lady Whippets played 6A power Starkville Tuesday and entertain Louisville Thursday to begin Region 4-4A play. It will be Senior Night, honoring the seven seniors on the girls’ team and three on the boys team.
