Soccer notebook: Kellam gaining confidence

Boys soccer

Kellam gains confidence by knocking off Cox

Kellam is coming off a huge win over previously unbeaten and top-ranked Cox.

Senior Jordan Grumney’s game-winning goal with two seconds left helped the Knights pull off the upset.

The Knights probably won’t catch the Falcons for the regular-season title, but they have confidence they can win the Beach District tournament and advance to the Eastern Region tournament.

“That win was big in terms of confidence,” Kellam coach Craig Powers said. “I think we’re one of the better teams, but there are several good team in the district. Knocking off Cox lets us know that we’re one of the top teams.”

Kellam improved its record to 5-0-1 against Cox over the last four years.

Hickory clinches Southeastern title while Maury keeps rolling

Hickory clinched its sixth consecutive Southeastern District title last week with victories over Lakeland and Indian River.

But the Hawks aren’t taking anything for granted.

“Our team recognizes how difficult it is to win the district championship and that the district championship is a goal we set out for every year,” Hickory coach Eric Blackmore said.

In the Eastern District, Maury is rolling as postseason approaches.

The Commodores have outscored their Eastern District opponents 58-2. The only district teams to score against Maury were Granby and Norcom.

Maury also has several other impressive victories this season, including wins over Ocean Lakes and Hickory.

Girls soccer

Cox is again atop Beach

Cox is having another incredible season this year.

The Falcons have lost just once – a 2-0 loss to Kellam last week – and Cox is locked in a tie with Ocean Lakes atop the Beach District.

Cox coach Michele Clark said much of the team’s success this season is due to its seniors, specifically forward Chloe Russell, midfielder Beth McCabe and defender Bridget Montgomery. The trio has accounted for more than 70 victories, three district titles, two regional titles and two state final appearances in their four years at Cox.

“They’ve just been the heart and soul of the program,” Clark said. “They’re not always vocal, but they lead by example both academically and athletically. And they have the qualities that are important to me as a coach. They’re just good kids.”

Kellam relishes rivalry with Cox

There’s nothing like a good old-fashion rivalry.

That’s the approach Kellam coach Mario Hurdle takes each time the Knights play Cox.

“It’s like the Redskins and the Cowboys because it doesn’t matter what the records are or what’s going on in the season, it’s always an emotional game,” he said. “The teams get inspired for that game. They are more focused in practice and look sharper in games.”

It worked for the Knights in a 2-0 victory over Cox last week.

“I think going into the playoffs, there’s only one team that can beat Kellam and that’s ourselves,” Hurdle said. “But obviously you want to peak at the right time and that was a booster.”

Norview makes Eastern District tournament

Norview did something the school hasn’t done in more than a decade – advance to the Eastern District tournament.

That may not seem like a big thing to most schools but it’s huge for Norview.

“That just kind of shows what happens when you develop a program,” said Pilots coach Paul Thomas.

Thomas, a Norview grad, has worked to build the program over the past three years.

“Norview is not known as a soccer school, but I go after the kids who are athletes and appease them to come out,” he said. “Many of the kids have never played soccer before. I’ve been able to develop something in the school and find out who the soccer players are and it’s worked so far.”

– Larry Rubama