Hickory Ridge now on a 3 game loosing streak and looking for answers as they go into the last week of the regular season. Concord scored on its first possession of the game and never looked back. The Bulls never got started on offense. A pass interception set the Spiders up on the Ragin' Bulls 15 yard line. One play and Concord QB hit the wide out for 15 yard TD strike. Next Bulls series ended with another interception, this time a pick 6 making the Concord lead 21-0 with 3 minutes to go in the 1st quarter.
The Bulls really settled down on defense and held the spiders in check over the second 12 minute period, but the lack of offense made for a cold long night for the Hickory Ridge fans.
The Spiders took the second half kickoff and again scored on their opening drive. Another TD later on made the score 35-0. It was midway through the 4th quarter before your Ragin' Bulls found the end zone. Brian Baltimore scored after several hard runs by Cody Cothern set the bulls deep into Spider territory.
Next up for HRHS is a visit to JM Robinson Bull Dogs. The final regular season game is a must win for a chance to make it into the playoffs.
Around the league, AL Brown stays perfect at (6-0) after winning against North West (3-3). Concord (5-1) is firmly in second place after tonight's game. This effectively sets up a SPC championship game next week against AL Brown.
The next tier is Cox Mill (4-2) after beating JM Robinson (2-4). Hickory Ridge (3-3) is tied with North West, although NW owns the tie breaker.
So with 1 week left the standing in SPC:
AL Brown 6-0
Concord 5-1
Cox Mill 4-2
NW Cabarrus 3-3
HRHS 3-3
Mt Pleasant 1-4
CCHS 0-5
Go Bulls!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Bulls soccer finish 3rd in SPC
On Monday of this week, the Bulls were in 1st place in the SPC, 11th in the State in the 3A division, and riding high. After Tuesday's night affair with Concord, they were clinging to slim hopes of 1st place with confidence shaken in the SPC after they lost to Concord 4-1. As of Wednesday night after the conference finale loss to Jay M. Robinson 4-0, they no longer harbor illusions of a conference championship, no longer walk with a swagger of invincibility, and stagger into the playoffs state playoffs with questions and doubt. Instead of writing about a victorious finale against conference foe Jay M. Robinson, instead of writing about beautiful soccer and team togetherness, instead of writing about even pulling a tie out of the finale that would have guaranteed the Bulls a 2nd place finish in the SPC, anyone associated with Hickory Ridge soccer is wondering what went wrong in 2 short days.
What IS clear is the Bulls finished 3rd in the SPC, their highest ever finish in their 4 short years of existence, and will play Weddington at Weddington next week in the State Playoffs. What is also clear is the Bulls finish with a best ever overall record of 15-4-1 and conference record of 11-3. So despite the disappointment of the past week, the Ragin' men have something to be proud of and hopefully build upon as they continue their quest to raise the bar for Hickory Ridge soccer by winning a playoff game.
Go Bulls!
What IS clear is the Bulls finished 3rd in the SPC, their highest ever finish in their 4 short years of existence, and will play Weddington at Weddington next week in the State Playoffs. What is also clear is the Bulls finish with a best ever overall record of 15-4-1 and conference record of 11-3. So despite the disappointment of the past week, the Ragin' men have something to be proud of and hopefully build upon as they continue their quest to raise the bar for Hickory Ridge soccer by winning a playoff game.
Go Bulls!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Bulls soccer suffer 2nd conference defeat
The last time the Hickory Ridge Bulls lost a soccer match it was in Concord 11 games ago. The next loss was suffered tonight against that same Concord team by nearly the same score. Not a way to celebrate senior night in the last regular season home game of the 2010 campaign. Indeed, the game was not even 15 seconds old when the Bulls suffered a key injury to starting left fullback Garrett Hill that sent him to the sidelines for the night with a left shoulder injury. On the ensuing free kick, Concord scored the first goal on a 2nd rebound shot after the first 2 were successfully thwarted by Sr. keeper Drew Andreotti. And just like that, the Bulls were on their heels playing defensively the rest of the first half. Hickory Ridge did miss a golden opportunity to equalize when a free kick of our own sailed over all the defenders to Jr. Brandon Castillo who had a wide open net, but unfortunately Brandon was unable to get a good leg on it and the shot caromed to the Spiders goal keepers waiting arms. Concord scored their 2nd goal with 2:02 remaining in the first and that's how the half ended.
The resolute Bulls kept their composure to start the 2nd half and immediately went on the offensive putting good pressure on the Spiders defense. Unfortunately, the Bulls got caught in a counter-attack that left them in a 3-0 deficit with 33:45 left in the game. Rather than fold on this senior night, the Bulls continued attacking and returned to the style of play that made them successful all year, albeit a bit too late. The ragin' men were finally rewarded with about 5 minutes to go in the contest with a penalty kick that Sr. Alex Batson neatly placed past the Spiders keeper to make the score 3-1. Unfortunately, the men ran out of steam, gave up a PK of their own in the last seconds of the contest that was successfully converted by Concord, and the heavily contested game came to a sputtering close, 4-1 Concord.
There is still a slim chance for a conference championship, but 2 losses to Concord puts the Spiders in the drivers seat for their first SPC conference championship in soccer. Hickory Ridge finishes conference play Wednesday Oct. 27 at Jay M. Robinson. A victory ensures the men of no worst than 2nd place in the conference and keeps their slims hope for a championship alive.
The resolute Bulls kept their composure to start the 2nd half and immediately went on the offensive putting good pressure on the Spiders defense. Unfortunately, the Bulls got caught in a counter-attack that left them in a 3-0 deficit with 33:45 left in the game. Rather than fold on this senior night, the Bulls continued attacking and returned to the style of play that made them successful all year, albeit a bit too late. The ragin' men were finally rewarded with about 5 minutes to go in the contest with a penalty kick that Sr. Alex Batson neatly placed past the Spiders keeper to make the score 3-1. Unfortunately, the men ran out of steam, gave up a PK of their own in the last seconds of the contest that was successfully converted by Concord, and the heavily contested game came to a sputtering close, 4-1 Concord.
There is still a slim chance for a conference championship, but 2 losses to Concord puts the Spiders in the drivers seat for their first SPC conference championship in soccer. Hickory Ridge finishes conference play Wednesday Oct. 27 at Jay M. Robinson. A victory ensures the men of no worst than 2nd place in the conference and keeps their slims hope for a championship alive.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Ragin' Bulls left to Wonder after AL Brown wins 28-13
Kannapolis Wonders stay unbeaten in SPC play after beating Hickory Ridge 28-13 in this weeks game. The was the 4th straight win by Kannapolis over the HRHS program.
The playoff picture for Hickory Ridge is becoming a little more cloudy as the Bulls drop 2 straight with 2 conference games left. The Concord Spiders come to visit next week. Concord beat Mt Pleasant to take sole possession of 2nd place. North West Cabarrus wins against Central Cabarrus, and Cox Mill holds off Robinson. HRHS, NW and Cox Mill are now in a 3 way tie for 3rd place in conference.
Next week, Cox Mill looks to take advantage of Central Cabarrus, while North West must face off against the Kannapolis Wonders.
Stay tuned for more stats as soon as they are published.
Go Bulls!
The playoff picture for Hickory Ridge is becoming a little more cloudy as the Bulls drop 2 straight with 2 conference games left. The Concord Spiders come to visit next week. Concord beat Mt Pleasant to take sole possession of 2nd place. North West Cabarrus wins against Central Cabarrus, and Cox Mill holds off Robinson. HRHS, NW and Cox Mill are now in a 3 way tie for 3rd place in conference.
Next week, Cox Mill looks to take advantage of Central Cabarrus, while North West must face off against the Kannapolis Wonders.
Stay tuned for more stats as soon as they are published.
Go Bulls!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Bulls soccer avoids upset
No matter the sport, the adage "when you have a team down you need to put them away" is almost always true. More often than not, when your team is controlling play and you let off the pedal so to speak, you lose momentum, and then ultimately the game, match, or contest. Your 2010 men’s soccer team is either good enough to turn it on or off when they please or lucky enough the adage doesn't apply to them. It happened earlier in the season when the Bulls escaped win less Mount Pleasant with a 1-0 overtime victory and it happened again Thursday night against 6th place AL Brown (4-7 SPC). The Ragin’ Bulls (10-1 SPC) controlled the tempo and the game on the opening Kannapolis kickoff and were rewarded in the 9th minute when Adrian Ike put in a shot from 20 yards out from the middle of the field. The rout was seemingly on. But a funny thing happened on the way to a blowout. The Bulls failed to realize this was not the same team they defeated 4-1 earlier in the season. From about the time they went up 1-0, Hickory Ridge went on the defensive as the resilient AL Brown Wonders kept attacking and pressing their advantage. Finally they caught the Ragin’ men mesmerized and bounced an equalizer off the back left post into the goal with 13 minutes left in the half. And so ended the half with score knotted at 1-1. To the casual observer, Hickory Ridge was playing terribly after the first 10 minutes. Or perhaps that same casual observer thought the Wonders were playing great the last 30 minutes. Take your pick, but the message is clear, the Bulls had their hands full after letting the throttle off the gas.
The second half started with the Bulls in possession, but that lasted all of 10 seconds as the concerted attack off the kickoff was thwarted by the Wonders defense. Sure enough, barely 3 minutes into the half the Wonders scored a go ahead goal to lead 2-1. Not even 3 minutes later the Wonders had a wonderful chance to increase their margin but failed after their center mid beat seemingly the entire team to get a wide open shot that just missed wide right. That proved to be the final act to light a fire under the Bulls proverbial fannies. The Bulls switched the mythical on/off switch to on and reasserted themselves over the ensuing 15 minutes. The renewed commitment to attack was rewarded when Adrian Ike scored his second goal of the match in the 14th minute of the second half off a seemingly harmless ball sent into the center of the Kannapolis defense that Adrian was able to get his defender on his back, then turned, then put a shot off the keepers hands and into the right corner of the goal to knot the score at 2-2. Not even 3 minutes later, forward Adrian Ike took the ball into the right Kannapolis corner, sent a centering cross through the legs of a Kannapolis defender towards a streaking Matt Abbott. Rather than attempt a heavily contested shot, Abbott allowed the ball to continue on its path through his legs where a wide open Chris Faber put the uncontested shot into the far side of the goal. 3-2 Bulls just like that. That goal rejuvenated the team and elevated their effort as they fended off one attack after another and counter attacked themselves at key moments. In the end though, neither team was able to find the twine and the game ended with the scoreboard indicating Home team (Bulls) 3, Guests (Wonders) 2.
And so it is the Bulls enter their final week of the regular season 11-1-0 in conference play and in sole possession of 1st place. However, to win the SPC championship they have to play 2nd place Concord on Monday at Hickory Ridge and 3rd place Robinson, at Robinson, on Wednesday. Win both, and there is no doubt your 2010 Hickory Ridge Ragin’ Bulls are champions. Lose one, both, or tie both and the issue is in doubt. So rather than speculate, let’s celebrate. This season has exceeded all expectations. The last home game is Monday, October 25th against Concord. It is senior night. It may not be the last game at Hickory Ridge for the seniors, but it is the last game that is guaranteed and will go a long way in deciding the final conference standings. Hope to see you there.
Go Bulls!
The second half started with the Bulls in possession, but that lasted all of 10 seconds as the concerted attack off the kickoff was thwarted by the Wonders defense. Sure enough, barely 3 minutes into the half the Wonders scored a go ahead goal to lead 2-1. Not even 3 minutes later the Wonders had a wonderful chance to increase their margin but failed after their center mid beat seemingly the entire team to get a wide open shot that just missed wide right. That proved to be the final act to light a fire under the Bulls proverbial fannies. The Bulls switched the mythical on/off switch to on and reasserted themselves over the ensuing 15 minutes. The renewed commitment to attack was rewarded when Adrian Ike scored his second goal of the match in the 14th minute of the second half off a seemingly harmless ball sent into the center of the Kannapolis defense that Adrian was able to get his defender on his back, then turned, then put a shot off the keepers hands and into the right corner of the goal to knot the score at 2-2. Not even 3 minutes later, forward Adrian Ike took the ball into the right Kannapolis corner, sent a centering cross through the legs of a Kannapolis defender towards a streaking Matt Abbott. Rather than attempt a heavily contested shot, Abbott allowed the ball to continue on its path through his legs where a wide open Chris Faber put the uncontested shot into the far side of the goal. 3-2 Bulls just like that. That goal rejuvenated the team and elevated their effort as they fended off one attack after another and counter attacked themselves at key moments. In the end though, neither team was able to find the twine and the game ended with the scoreboard indicating Home team (Bulls) 3, Guests (Wonders) 2.
Sr. Eric Frederick clears a ball off the Bulls endline in the first half of the Bulls 3-2 victory over AL Brown
And so it is the Bulls enter their final week of the regular season 11-1-0 in conference play and in sole possession of 1st place. However, to win the SPC championship they have to play 2nd place Concord on Monday at Hickory Ridge and 3rd place Robinson, at Robinson, on Wednesday. Win both, and there is no doubt your 2010 Hickory Ridge Ragin’ Bulls are champions. Lose one, both, or tie both and the issue is in doubt. So rather than speculate, let’s celebrate. This season has exceeded all expectations. The last home game is Monday, October 25th against Concord. It is senior night. It may not be the last game at Hickory Ridge for the seniors, but it is the last game that is guaranteed and will go a long way in deciding the final conference standings. Hope to see you there.
Go Bulls!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Bulls Soccer Cruises Past Northwest Cabarrus
Sometimes soccer is thrilling and full of drama, sometimes it's frustrating, sometimes it's a physical battle....and then there was the match pitting the Ragin’ Bulls against the Northwest Cabarrus Trojans and NWCHS. Whatever drama this game promised was quickly dampened by the Bulls as Adrian Ike scored on a 20 yard right footed screamer in the 4th minute of the game that tested the fasteners of the back right corner netting. The Bulls keeper Drew Andreotti put the next nail in the drama coffin by making 2 outstanding diving saves, one to his left just as the ball was to cross the end line and one to his right about 10 yards out from the goal mouth a few minutes later. After that, the Trojans never really threatened again as the defense kept pestering and frustrating any Northwest attackers that got near to getting a shot off. The drama was completely sucked out of the game in a 1:08 span with about 12 minutes to go in the half. It started when right winger Alex Batson sent a cross to the top of the box where forward Matt Abbott spun his defender and rifled a left footed shot that was deflected by a great effort from the Trojan keeper. Unfortunately for the Trojan keeper though, left winger Brandon Castillo never gave up on the ball and rushed on to put the rebound into the back left corner of the net. 1:08 seconds later, Matt Abbott scored off an assist from Adrian Ike to make it 3-0 Bulls. Just like that the morale of the home team was broken and the game was never again in doubt.
The second half started much like the first in terms of a quick strike. In the 8th minute center defender Eric Frederick sent a right footed hook shot up and over the wall bending into the front right corner of the goal for a 4-0 lead. The final scoring was capped by Sophomore forward Kincaid Albers running onto a long ball and chipping it over the onrushing keeper to make it 5-0 Bulls with 5 minutes to go in the contest. The victory puts Hickory Ridge at 10-1-0 in conference play, 14-2-1 overall. Hickory Ridge moved up one spot in the state rankings to 12th in the 3A classification and moved up to number 9 in the Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 which ranks the top 16 teams in the Charlotte Observer subscription area, regardless of school classification. Congratulations men, keep the momentum going
Midfielder Chris Faber weaves through the Northwest Cabaurrs defenders
The second half started much like the first in terms of a quick strike. In the 8th minute center defender Eric Frederick sent a right footed hook shot up and over the wall bending into the front right corner of the goal for a 4-0 lead. The final scoring was capped by Sophomore forward Kincaid Albers running onto a long ball and chipping it over the onrushing keeper to make it 5-0 Bulls with 5 minutes to go in the contest. The victory puts Hickory Ridge at 10-1-0 in conference play, 14-2-1 overall. Hickory Ridge moved up one spot in the state rankings to 12th in the 3A classification and moved up to number 9 in the Charlotte Observer Sweet 16 which ranks the top 16 teams in the Charlotte Observer subscription area, regardless of school classification. Congratulations men, keep the momentum going
Saturday, October 16, 2010
SPC Varsity Football Conference Tightens
Kannapolis is now the clear leader of the SPC title race. The Wonders stand alone at the top at 4-0 while both Concord and Hickory Ridge stumbled this past week. The road for the Ragin' Bulls goes right through AL Brown and Concord in the next 2 weeks. Understatement of the season, a tough 2 weeks to try and get back to the winning ways. Concord was upset by Cox Mill at home.
SPC Standings:
AL Brown- 4-0 on a 7 game win streak
Concord- 3-1 lost to the trickery of Cox Mill
Hickory Ridge- 3-1 let the game at NW get away from them
Northwest- 2-2 Defense held strong against the Bulls
Cox Mill- 2-2 Too many tricks to mention
Robinson- 2-2 Bulldogs hanging around
Mt Pleasant- 0-4 No bite to these tigers
Central- 0-4 "no comment"
Send your comments about the NW game to maximusthebull@gmail.com and we'll post the best ones, anonymously.
Go Bulls!
SPC Standings:
AL Brown- 4-0 on a 7 game win streak
Concord- 3-1 lost to the trickery of Cox Mill
Hickory Ridge- 3-1 let the game at NW get away from them
Northwest- 2-2 Defense held strong against the Bulls
Cox Mill- 2-2 Too many tricks to mention
Robinson- 2-2 Bulldogs hanging around
Mt Pleasant- 0-4 No bite to these tigers
Central- 0-4 "no comment"
Send your comments about the NW game to maximusthebull@gmail.com and we'll post the best ones, anonymously.
Go Bulls!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Bulls Fall Short against North West Cabarrus 10-7
As expected it was a low scoring affair tonight at NW Cabarrus. The two offenses could not establish much production trading possessions just about the entire first 24 minutes. Late in the first quarter with 2:51 NW scored on the foot of their highly touted place kicker for a field goal. That was it for the scoring as the Ragin' Bulls went to the locker room down 3-0. It was only the second time this season the Bulls have been shut out in the first half.
NW did end the first half with a missed 37 yard field goal. The opportunity came after a critical mistake by special teams play. Hickory Ridge was called for roughing the punter after a great defensive stand appeared to give the Bulls one more chance to do something on offense before the break.
At the 3:18 mark in the 3rd quarter, NW scored on a 9 yard TD pass play. A 3rd down play, high fade route to the back corner of the end zone extended the Trojan lead to 10- 0.
On the Bulls next possession it looked like the Bulls were making a statement. Brian Baltimore broke through the middle, then cut left and scampered 62 yards for a TD. Only issue, a holding penalty near mid field nullified the great run.
The Bulls did keep the drive alive to start the 4th quarter. Baltimore scores from 32 yards out and with 10:27 in the contest the score was HRHS 7, NW 10.
The Ragin' Bulls defense makes another strong statement forcing NW to a 3 and out off the ensuing kick off. Bulls offense seemed poised to really take control of the game after the NW punt. Bulls set of offense at their own 43 with 8:18 to play. On a first down sweep to the left, Baltimore goes down hard and is forced to the sidelines for the remainder of the series. The Bulls go 3 and out and are forced to punt again. A big roll off the foot of Dillion Burdette pushes the Trojans back to their 17.
Once again the Ragin' Bulls Defense bends, but does not break and after 1 first down, the Trojans are punting.
The final offensive series. The Bulls let the Trojan punt land and roll to the 27 yard line. With 3:11 in the game, Bulls are 63 yards from victory. Brian Baltimore returns, and carries on first down for no gain. 2nd down, pass falls incomplete, 3rd down incomplete pass, 4th down, strong pressure from the defensive line and another incomplete pass. North West holds on and salts away a conference win in front of their fans on Homecoming night.
The loss simply means that Hickory Ridge will take a much more difficult path to the playoffs. They could certainly use some help in seeing AL Brown or Concord falter before the next couple of weeks. Next week, HRHS host AL Brown at the Ridge.
Come on out and support your Ragin' Bulls.
Check back for complete game stats and more!
Go Bulls!
NW did end the first half with a missed 37 yard field goal. The opportunity came after a critical mistake by special teams play. Hickory Ridge was called for roughing the punter after a great defensive stand appeared to give the Bulls one more chance to do something on offense before the break.
At the 3:18 mark in the 3rd quarter, NW scored on a 9 yard TD pass play. A 3rd down play, high fade route to the back corner of the end zone extended the Trojan lead to 10- 0.
On the Bulls next possession it looked like the Bulls were making a statement. Brian Baltimore broke through the middle, then cut left and scampered 62 yards for a TD. Only issue, a holding penalty near mid field nullified the great run.
The Bulls did keep the drive alive to start the 4th quarter. Baltimore scores from 32 yards out and with 10:27 in the contest the score was HRHS 7, NW 10.
The Ragin' Bulls defense makes another strong statement forcing NW to a 3 and out off the ensuing kick off. Bulls offense seemed poised to really take control of the game after the NW punt. Bulls set of offense at their own 43 with 8:18 to play. On a first down sweep to the left, Baltimore goes down hard and is forced to the sidelines for the remainder of the series. The Bulls go 3 and out and are forced to punt again. A big roll off the foot of Dillion Burdette pushes the Trojans back to their 17.
Once again the Ragin' Bulls Defense bends, but does not break and after 1 first down, the Trojans are punting.
The final offensive series. The Bulls let the Trojan punt land and roll to the 27 yard line. With 3:11 in the game, Bulls are 63 yards from victory. Brian Baltimore returns, and carries on first down for no gain. 2nd down, pass falls incomplete, 3rd down incomplete pass, 4th down, strong pressure from the defensive line and another incomplete pass. North West holds on and salts away a conference win in front of their fans on Homecoming night.
The loss simply means that Hickory Ridge will take a much more difficult path to the playoffs. They could certainly use some help in seeing AL Brown or Concord falter before the next couple of weeks. Next week, HRHS host AL Brown at the Ridge.
Come on out and support your Ragin' Bulls.
Check back for complete game stats and more!
Go Bulls!
Ragin’ Bulls ready to make Run at the SPC Title
Baltimore against Mt Pleasant
The game this week is against North West Cabarrus who lost a close game against JM Robinson, 7-10 last week and an earlier contest to Concord 0-18. NW Cabarrus is now 1-2 in conference. Both Concord and AL Brown are still in the future for Hickory Ridge. To give some sense of comparison, HR beat Mt Pleasant last week 20-14, while NW was able to take down the Tigers 29-15 in week 6. This weeks game should be a closely fought battle between to programs looking to land a playoff spot just behind Concord and AL Brown. The big difference is that if Hickory Ridge can win on Friday, they still own their own destiny to an out right win of the SPC title.
Defense and special teams will certainly determine the winner as the 2 offenses produce very similar numbers. NW averages 15 points per game compared to the Bulls putting up an average of 17 points per game. Defense is quite different. NW allows only 15 PPG, to HR’s 23 PPG. The Ragin’s Bulls will certainly need a focused effort on the road this week.
Go Bulls!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Bulls Season of Firsts Saved
Some teams are special because a few star players carry it to soaring heights. Some teams are special because of the chemistry and camaraderie shared amongst the players. Some teams are special because of their positive attitude no matter the outcome. Your 2010 Hickory Ridge men's soccer team is special because there is no one individual to stop, there is no quit, and they seemingly defy all odds to post a result when one should not logically be posted. Such was the case Tuesday night against the quality of Cox Mill on their pitch. With starting (and only) goalkeeper Drew Andreotti relegated to the bench as a spectator due to an injury suffered against Central Cabarrus last Thursday night and the SPC 4th place Cox Mill crowd loud and rambunctious, the prospects for a Bulls victory were greatly diminished. But special teams overcome long odds and that is precisely what your Ragin' Bulls did.
Now it should be noted that Drew is not a keeper by training. On his club teams Drew was a field player, but since Hickory Ridge's inception 4 years ago Drew has agreed to sacrifice for his school team by agreeing to become the full time goal keeper. There wasn't a viable goalie then and there isn't a viable goalie now that would help the team be successful.... until, perhaps, tonight that is. Enter Sr. Alex Batson. Alex has no goalie training, and, to my knowledge, has never played keeper in his life except for some time last week vs. Central and 15 minutes against Concord earlier this season. Yet, if there was a man of the match awarded for this game, it would be awarded to Alex with honorary mention awarded to the defense. The first half was a fairly even affair as to possession and shots on goal with maybe a slight advantage to Cox Mill. The Cox Mill Mavericks scored first on a controversial no call as Alex was bulled over defending a shot and the ensuing rebound shot was sent in to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute of the match. 13 minutes later, the Mavericks scored again on a double header that even Tim Howard from the U.S. National team would struggle preventing. However, the key point in the entire match occurred about a minute after going down 2-0 when a foul by the Bulls occurred inside the penalty box. With the Cox Mill crowd amping up the noise and the Hickory Ridge parents fidgeting nervously in their seats, the ensuing penalty kick was thwarted by Alex as he dove to his left and collected the PK to preserve the 2-0 deficit. The heroic save ignited the Bulls defense and they prevented another shot on goal for the remainder of the half.
The second half was all Hickory Ridge as Coach Wolfe made a key coaching decision to change the alignment from a defensive one to protect Alex to the more traditional one the lads had been playing all year. From the opening kick the Bulls dominated play, time of possession, shots on goal (Cox Mill had maybe 2 in the entire 2nd half), you name it, they dominated. Brandon Castillo got things rolling 4 minutes into the 2nd half when he converted a free kick from about 30 yards out into a goal to cut the deficit in half, 2-1 Mavericks. The Bulls continued their relentless pressure and were rewarded when Jerome Means put yet another seeing eye shot through the entire Cox Mill defense and past the keeper to knot the score at 2-2 with 6:31 remaining in the contest. Not even 2 minutes later Adrian Ike put a shot from a difficult angle into the back right corner of the net to the give the Bulls its first lead of the match at 3-2. The last 4 minutes of the contest saw the Bulls turn back one Mavericks attack after another and, with the final whistle blowing and the final score 3-2 Bulls, the Bulls special season drives on. We have now set a school record for wins at 13-2-1 overall, 9-1 in the SPC and are now only 1 point behind Concord in SPC play who is 7-0-2 after their draw Tuesday night vs. Robinson. (Note: 1 point behind assuming no other losses/ties for the remainder of their year ignoring the result of the HR-Concord match up)
Go Bulls!
Now it should be noted that Drew is not a keeper by training. On his club teams Drew was a field player, but since Hickory Ridge's inception 4 years ago Drew has agreed to sacrifice for his school team by agreeing to become the full time goal keeper. There wasn't a viable goalie then and there isn't a viable goalie now that would help the team be successful.... until, perhaps, tonight that is. Enter Sr. Alex Batson. Alex has no goalie training, and, to my knowledge, has never played keeper in his life except for some time last week vs. Central and 15 minutes against Concord earlier this season. Yet, if there was a man of the match awarded for this game, it would be awarded to Alex with honorary mention awarded to the defense. The first half was a fairly even affair as to possession and shots on goal with maybe a slight advantage to Cox Mill. The Cox Mill Mavericks scored first on a controversial no call as Alex was bulled over defending a shot and the ensuing rebound shot was sent in to give the Mavericks a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute of the match. 13 minutes later, the Mavericks scored again on a double header that even Tim Howard from the U.S. National team would struggle preventing. However, the key point in the entire match occurred about a minute after going down 2-0 when a foul by the Bulls occurred inside the penalty box. With the Cox Mill crowd amping up the noise and the Hickory Ridge parents fidgeting nervously in their seats, the ensuing penalty kick was thwarted by Alex as he dove to his left and collected the PK to preserve the 2-0 deficit. The heroic save ignited the Bulls defense and they prevented another shot on goal for the remainder of the half.
The second half was all Hickory Ridge as Coach Wolfe made a key coaching decision to change the alignment from a defensive one to protect Alex to the more traditional one the lads had been playing all year. From the opening kick the Bulls dominated play, time of possession, shots on goal (Cox Mill had maybe 2 in the entire 2nd half), you name it, they dominated. Brandon Castillo got things rolling 4 minutes into the 2nd half when he converted a free kick from about 30 yards out into a goal to cut the deficit in half, 2-1 Mavericks. The Bulls continued their relentless pressure and were rewarded when Jerome Means put yet another seeing eye shot through the entire Cox Mill defense and past the keeper to knot the score at 2-2 with 6:31 remaining in the contest. Not even 2 minutes later Adrian Ike put a shot from a difficult angle into the back right corner of the net to the give the Bulls its first lead of the match at 3-2. The last 4 minutes of the contest saw the Bulls turn back one Mavericks attack after another and, with the final whistle blowing and the final score 3-2 Bulls, the Bulls special season drives on. We have now set a school record for wins at 13-2-1 overall, 9-1 in the SPC and are now only 1 point behind Concord in SPC play who is 7-0-2 after their draw Tuesday night vs. Robinson. (Note: 1 point behind assuming no other losses/ties for the remainder of their year ignoring the result of the HR-Concord match up)
Go Bulls!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Bulls Soccer Suffers Scare
Fresh off their stirring victory over Jay M. Robinson on Tuesday, the Bulls Soccer team looked to continue their inspired play of late against Central Cabarrus in the 2nd meeting of the season for the two conference foes. The Bulls won the first meeting 1-0 but it was a struggle as the CC Vikings forced the Bulls to play at their slower, controlled pace. This contest started much the same way the last contest played out as again the Vikings forced the Bulls to play at a slower, controlled pace. Unfortunately, the Ragin' men are best when they're playing fast and aggressive. That didn't happen until Central went up 1-0 24 minutes into the match. Giving up a goal lit a fire under the team and 30 seconds later Brandon Castillo answered off an assist from Matt Abbott. A few minutes later Hickory Ridge keeper Drew Andreotti went down with an injury after making a leaping save to keep the score knotted at 1-1. After staying down for a few minutes, Drew came out of the game and was replaced by backup keeper Alex Batson. Alex kept the Vikings from scoring on the ensuing corner kick and, after a little rest on the sideline, Drew came back into the game and the half ended at 1-1.
The second half started with Alex Batson back in goal and the Bulls owning the kickoff. Right away it was obvious coach Wolfe gave instruction to force Central to play at the Bulls pace vs. the other way around. Sure enough, Hickory Ridge played fast, aggressive, and scored again 4 minutes into the 2nd half. As in the first half, it was Abbott assisting Castillo on the score. Not to be content with a 2-1 lead, the Ragin' men continued their assault but just missed on several other opportunities. The defense did their part too by preventing any decent shots on goal and keeping Batson's pink goalie shirt clean. So with the clocking ticking to zero and the scoreboard reading Home -2, Away - 1, the men in pink socks and the keeper in pink goalie shirt in honor of breast cancer awareness month, celebrated their school record 12th victory of the season. The Bulls are now 12-2-1 overall, 8-1 in conference play, and solidly entrenched 1/2 game behind first place in the SPC. Next up is Cox Mill next Tuesday, at Cox Mill, in a game the Mavericks hope to avenge their earlier 4-3 loss in OT to the Ragin' Bulls.
Sr. Garrett Hill "flies" through a header in the 2nd half of the Bulls 2-1 victory over Central
Go Bulls!
The second half started with Alex Batson back in goal and the Bulls owning the kickoff. Right away it was obvious coach Wolfe gave instruction to force Central to play at the Bulls pace vs. the other way around. Sure enough, Hickory Ridge played fast, aggressive, and scored again 4 minutes into the 2nd half. As in the first half, it was Abbott assisting Castillo on the score. Not to be content with a 2-1 lead, the Ragin' men continued their assault but just missed on several other opportunities. The defense did their part too by preventing any decent shots on goal and keeping Batson's pink goalie shirt clean. So with the clocking ticking to zero and the scoreboard reading Home -2, Away - 1, the men in pink socks and the keeper in pink goalie shirt in honor of breast cancer awareness month, celebrated their school record 12th victory of the season. The Bulls are now 12-2-1 overall, 8-1 in conference play, and solidly entrenched 1/2 game behind first place in the SPC. Next up is Cox Mill next Tuesday, at Cox Mill, in a game the Mavericks hope to avenge their earlier 4-3 loss in OT to the Ragin' Bulls.
Go Bulls!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Let the Good Times Roll
There's a song by the Cars titled "Let the Good Times Roll" that could define the Bulls soccer season so far, but what really comes to mind is a song by Ten Years After, or at least these lyrics "There's somethin' happenin here, what it is ain't exactly clear...". What is clear is this season is turning into something special, we just don't know how special yet. It started with a victory over perennial 4A power Porter Ridge in the first game of the season and has continued through to the Hickory Ridge - J.M. Robinson match on Tuesday night. In a seemingly all too common occurrence this year, the Bulls struck first and early when Jr. Eric Frederick passed to Sr. Matt Abbott who slipped between the last two defenders, sent a shot to the left of the onrushing Robinson keeper who deflected the shot but not enough to prevent it from crossing the end line before a Robinson defender could get there. With that shot Hickory Ridge took the lead 1-0 not even 3 minutes into the game. However, from that point on, the remainder of the first half belonged to the Robinson Bulldogs as the ball pretty much stayed in the Hickory Ridge half of the field. Time and time again the staunch defense, anchored by central defenders Jason Hladik and Eric Frederick and goal keeper Drew Andreotti, kept the Bulldogs at bay. The half ended with the Bulls holding a tenuous 1-0 lead.
The second half began with much more energy and focus by the Bulls as they created several dangerous chances in the first 5 minutes. Unfortunately, their efforts went unrewarded and the Bulldogs evened the match at 1-1 in the 46th minute (6th minute of the 2nd half). Robinson followed that up with another score 3 minutes later to forge their last and only lead of the match 2-1. Now something needs to be pointed out here. This is a battle between 2 teams tied for 2nd place in the SPC, with each team having 1 loss thanks to SPC leading Concord. Both teams are 1/2 game behind Concord in the standings and if either team desires to finish first, this is a must win game. So going down 2-1 in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half could have been a back breaker for the Bulls, but remember the lyrics by Ten Years After...."there's somethin' happenin' here, what it is ain't exactly clear...". So rather than accept being down, the Bulls increased their intensity even further putting tremendous pressure on the Bulldogs defense. 1:05 after losing the lead, Jr. Adrian Ike headed a throw-in from Sr. Chris Faber towards the goal where Jr. Brandon Castillo knocked it down and put a shot on frame that beat the Bulldogs keeper into the back left corner of the net to knot the game up at 2-2. Assist, Ike; goal, Castillo; momentum, Bulls. For the next 17 minutes Hickory Ridge had the better of the play, but Robinson created enough chances of their own to keep the large crowd, which was bolstered by the attendance of Harrisburg Youth Association soccer families, on the edge of their seats. Both sides missed excellent opportunities to take the lead until, with 13 minutes left in the contest, Jr. Adrian Ike collected a pass to the right corner, made a nifty move to allow the defender to run past, and sent a centering pass to the top of the 18 where Sr. midfielder Jerome Means sent a seeing eye shot through several defenders, past the keeper, and into the back right corner of the net to put the Bulls up 3-2. As is typical when playing a quality opponent that just fell behind, the Bulls had to prepare for a renewed onslaught from the losing side. The last 10 minutes of the match saw Hickory Ridge thwart one Bulldog attack after another. Sometimes by great defending from the outside fullbacks Sr. Garrett Hill and So. Darren Ballesteros, sometimes by the central defenders Hladik and Frederick, and sometimes by keeper Andreotti, but in no time was the defense broken. It was truly a team effort, from the coaches to the players, from the offense to the defense, from the starters to the subs and players that prepared them. Your Hickory Ridge Ragin Bulls are now 7-1 in the SPC, 1/2 game out of first and in sole possession of second. There's somethin' happenin' here....come join us.
Next game is at home on Thursday, 10/7 against Central Cabarrus.
GO BULLS!
The second half began with much more energy and focus by the Bulls as they created several dangerous chances in the first 5 minutes. Unfortunately, their efforts went unrewarded and the Bulldogs evened the match at 1-1 in the 46th minute (6th minute of the 2nd half). Robinson followed that up with another score 3 minutes later to forge their last and only lead of the match 2-1. Now something needs to be pointed out here. This is a battle between 2 teams tied for 2nd place in the SPC, with each team having 1 loss thanks to SPC leading Concord. Both teams are 1/2 game behind Concord in the standings and if either team desires to finish first, this is a must win game. So going down 2-1 in the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half could have been a back breaker for the Bulls, but remember the lyrics by Ten Years After...."there's somethin' happenin' here, what it is ain't exactly clear...". So rather than accept being down, the Bulls increased their intensity even further putting tremendous pressure on the Bulldogs defense. 1:05 after losing the lead, Jr. Adrian Ike headed a throw-in from Sr. Chris Faber towards the goal where Jr. Brandon Castillo knocked it down and put a shot on frame that beat the Bulldogs keeper into the back left corner of the net to knot the game up at 2-2. Assist, Ike; goal, Castillo; momentum, Bulls. For the next 17 minutes Hickory Ridge had the better of the play, but Robinson created enough chances of their own to keep the large crowd, which was bolstered by the attendance of Harrisburg Youth Association soccer families, on the edge of their seats. Both sides missed excellent opportunities to take the lead until, with 13 minutes left in the contest, Jr. Adrian Ike collected a pass to the right corner, made a nifty move to allow the defender to run past, and sent a centering pass to the top of the 18 where Sr. midfielder Jerome Means sent a seeing eye shot through several defenders, past the keeper, and into the back right corner of the net to put the Bulls up 3-2. As is typical when playing a quality opponent that just fell behind, the Bulls had to prepare for a renewed onslaught from the losing side. The last 10 minutes of the match saw Hickory Ridge thwart one Bulldog attack after another. Sometimes by great defending from the outside fullbacks Sr. Garrett Hill and So. Darren Ballesteros, sometimes by the central defenders Hladik and Frederick, and sometimes by keeper Andreotti, but in no time was the defense broken. It was truly a team effort, from the coaches to the players, from the offense to the defense, from the starters to the subs and players that prepared them. Your Hickory Ridge Ragin Bulls are now 7-1 in the SPC, 1/2 game out of first and in sole possession of second. There's somethin' happenin' here....come join us.
Jr. Brandon Castillo celebrates his game tying goal against JM Robinson
Next game is at home on Thursday, 10/7 against Central Cabarrus.
GO BULLS!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Cox Mill Rewind
A look at the stats really showed what a great performance the Ragin' Bulls put together against the Chargers of Cox Mill. The Bulls totaled 334 yards of offense in their 37- 20 win last Friday night.
Brian Baltimore was the leading rusher putting together one of his best performances of the year. Baltimore had 243 yards on 24 carries yielding an average of 5.9 yards and scoring 3 touch downs. Brian ran for his longest TD of the season, a 60 yard dash early in the first quarter to tie the score. 6-6, the PAT gave HRHS the lead at 7-6.
Dale Brown stepped up big on defense as he recovered a fumble and returned it for a TD to extend the Bulls lead. The fumble recovery went for 64 yards.
Cody Cothern also scored around the right side on a 37 yard scamper after Cox Mill failed with an on side kick off.
Cox Mill made several attempts and trick plays and failed every time. The Bulls stopped 2 fake punts to go along with the failed on side kick.
Next week is homecoming so come on out and see your Ragin' Bulls against our number 1 rival, Mt Pleasant Tigers.
Go Bulls!
Brian Baltimore was the leading rusher putting together one of his best performances of the year. Baltimore had 243 yards on 24 carries yielding an average of 5.9 yards and scoring 3 touch downs. Brian ran for his longest TD of the season, a 60 yard dash early in the first quarter to tie the score. 6-6, the PAT gave HRHS the lead at 7-6.
Dale Brown stepped up big on defense as he recovered a fumble and returned it for a TD to extend the Bulls lead. The fumble recovery went for 64 yards.
Cody Cothern also scored around the right side on a 37 yard scamper after Cox Mill failed with an on side kick off.
Cox Mill made several attempts and trick plays and failed every time. The Bulls stopped 2 fake punts to go along with the failed on side kick.
Next week is homecoming so come on out and see your Ragin' Bulls against our number 1 rival, Mt Pleasant Tigers.
Go Bulls!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Hickory Ridge Stays Perfect in Conference 2-0 after beating Cox Mill
The Ragin' Bulls remain un-beaten in SPC conference play after a resounding win over the Cox Mill Chargers.
Things could not have started worse for HRHS as the first play from scrimmage was an 80 yard bomb for a touchdown to give the Chargers an early lead. The only miscue by the Chargers was a failed PAT. On the first series for the Bulls, Brian Baltimore answered with a 60 yard run to put the Bulls even. Point after gave HRHS a 1 point lead, 7-6.
The final score was HRHS- 37, Cox Mill 20.
Check in later for more comprehensive stats on the game.
Special teams really made the game interesting, especially on the part of Cox Mill. Several decisions by the Chargers coaching staff had many in the stands shaking their heads. Two failed fake punts, and a failed kick off, aided Hickory Ridge in maintaining great field position throughout the game.
Next week come out to see Hickory Ridge in action against Mt Pleasant on Homecoming Night. The events will end a great Spirit Week at HRHS.
Go Bulls!
Things could not have started worse for HRHS as the first play from scrimmage was an 80 yard bomb for a touchdown to give the Chargers an early lead. The only miscue by the Chargers was a failed PAT. On the first series for the Bulls, Brian Baltimore answered with a 60 yard run to put the Bulls even. Point after gave HRHS a 1 point lead, 7-6.
The final score was HRHS- 37, Cox Mill 20.
Check in later for more comprehensive stats on the game.
Special teams really made the game interesting, especially on the part of Cox Mill. Several decisions by the Chargers coaching staff had many in the stands shaking their heads. Two failed fake punts, and a failed kick off, aided Hickory Ridge in maintaining great field position throughout the game.
Next week come out to see Hickory Ridge in action against Mt Pleasant on Homecoming Night. The events will end a great Spirit Week at HRHS.
Go Bulls!
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