The Hillcrest Hornets road home with two victories on Thursday night. Hillcrest won 2-0 in Varsity action and 2-1 in JV action. In the JV game, Hillcrest got on the board first scoring on a breakaway in the 13th minute. The Zizzers drew level in the 21st minute when Chris Polston sent a cross into the box where Jordan Johnson hit a shot just inside the post. That’s how things would stand at halftime. In the second half, the Hornets took the lead again in the 9th minute. West Plains had a chacne to tie the game on a penalty kick, but the shot was saved by the Hillcrest keeper. The Zizzers played one of their better games as both teams created some good scoring chances.
In Varsity action, West Plains came out and played strong and the game would be scoreless through the first half. Hillcrest took the lead in the 1st minute of the second half when the Zizzer defense got caught flat as a central defenser challenged a ball in the air. The mistake allowed Bryce Collier to run through and have a breakaway on Zizzer Keeper Anthony Holt. Collier slotted his ball past the diving Holt for what would prove to be the game-winner. The Zizzers put some pressure on the Hornet defense, but as has been the case all season long, the Zizzers struggled to finish off their chances. The Hornets would add an insurance goal in the 25th minute of the half as the Zizzers pushed guys forward to generate more offense. The goal came after a Hornet free kick as Colton Dalton sent a shot from the top of the box off the inside of the far post and in the goal for a 2-0 Hornet lead. The Zizzers continued to push forward creating some more good chances, but never could get on the scoreboard.
The effort was good tonight. We just have to be more opportunistic with the chances that we create and increase the speed of play. Defensively we are getting things sorted out. It’s a momentary lapse here or there that is costing us. With a couple of weeks to go before Districts, the boys are headed in the right direction.
Next up for both teams are games Saturday at Home against Sikeston. The JV game will start at 12:00pm with the Varsity game to follow.
