Sanderson boys soccer
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In addition to stepping in to play center back Tuesday night, Sanderson senior Glenn Scott scored on a penalty kick, lifting the Spartans to a 1-0 win over Middle Creek.
Sanderson soccer survives first round
Scott's late penalty kick lifts Spartans to win
The postseason isn't the most opportune time to be shorthanded, but the Sanderson soccer team found itself in that position Tuesday night, and yet prevailed anyway.
In a hard fought 4-A NCHSAA first-round state playoff match-up against Middle Creek, the Spartans pulled out a 1-0 victory thanks to a Glenn Scott penalty kick with less than 15 minutes remaining.
But it wasn't Scott's goal which was notable — he notched 30 this season, so it was pretty common occurrence — but rather the senior's work at defensive back Tuesday.
Without defensive leader and senior Jackson Parker — sidelined due to a broken hand suffered against Broughton last week — the Spartans moved Scott, their leading scorer, to center back.
And the forward made the transition smoothly, Sanderson head coach Todd Worley said.
"We lost a goal scorer with the move, but he played terrific back there," he explained.
The switch helped combat the Mustangs' attack, which caused a lot of problems, especially early on.
"They took it to us in the first half, but we got better as the game went on," he said.
In addition to the playoff atmosphere, the lineup change had an effect on the Spartans.
"We were shorthanded, and the guys played very defensive in order to not show our weaknesses," he said. "I would say that the intensity level was there, but our guys really had to think through the game to get the victory."
Deadlocked at 0-0 entering the 65th minute, the Spartans finally got on the scoreboard, thanks in part to junior Taylor Wyatt drawing a penalty kick.
Off a Dylan Ejlali pass, Taylor made a quick cut inside the 18-yard line, and a Middle Creek defender tripped him up.
"The guy went for the ball, but Taylor moved it, and he got all of Taylor's leg," Worley said.
Scott was called on for the kick, and converted the goal upper-90.
Worley explained the Spartans have a system to determine who kicks the penalties.
"We have a rule going around right now, sort of a pecking order, as long as (Glenn) makes it, he's the one," the coach said. "And if not, then Taylor Wyatt is next."
Worley added he's more than comfortable with either one taking the shot.
Having played Middle Creek earlier in the season, knocking off the Mustangs 3-2 Aug. 25, the Spartans knew their first-round match wouldn't be a cakewalk.
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According to head coach Todd Worley, Sanderson junior Costin Gregory (12) might be able available for the Spartans' second round playoff game Saturday. The defensive back has been out with an injury since the fifth game of the season.
"They played well the first time we saw them, and it was a tight game," Worley said. "And we knew the teams from the Tri-9 are tough. They always are."
The coach said there is little difference between the upper echelon teams in the Cap-7 and the Tri-9.
"When you match up their top six and our top six, it is pretty much even slot for slot," he said. "I think our sixth team could be their No. 1 and their sixth could be our No. 1."
Scheduled to face the winner of Green Hope/West Johnston contest — slated for Wednesday night — the Spartans won't play again until Saturday.
And Parker likely won't be available for the game, and maybe not the rest of the season, Worley said.
However, the squad could receive a lift if junior Costin Gregory returns, which is possible.
The junior has been out of action since the fifth game of the season.
"It would be nice to have someone else out there with his skill," Worley said of Gregory. "But even if he is cleared Friday, he will have just one practice under his belt.
Either way, we need the bodies."
