Claiborne High School, May 3-
The Panthers from Cumberland Gap and the Bulldogs from Claiborne High simply put on a show. Both teams were determined to play hard and get a win for their school; however, the Panthers won the tight game at 3-1.
There was no scoring in the opening half of play but the keepers were busy. It was a few minutes into the second when Claiborne’s Thomas Ruiz sneaked one by Panthers’ keeper Ethan Thomas.
The goal seemed to awaken the panthers as they responded with a goal of their own a few minutes later. They added two more to extend their lead out to 3-1 and that’s all they needed. Logan Napier, Hyrum Hinckley and Owen Stallworth kicked in goals for the Panthers while Thomas had four saves in between the posts. Tyler Mayes and Jon Graves both had assists.
Claiborne was led by Ruiz with a single goal and Ethan Broyles had the assist. Devin Edds had five shots, Caden Brown had two and Isaiah Boyles had 17 saves.
Claiborne welcomed Trevor Edds back on the sideline in the role as a spectator only for the first time since his injury.
The game was as expected, a tough, hard fought one that the fans enjoyed.
By: Allen Earl