Tuesday Night was Senior Night in West Plains, where the 6 Zizzer Seniors and their Parents were recognized between the JV and Varsity games. The opponent for the night? That would be the Kickapoo Chiefs who were ranked #5 in the state in Class 3 (the largest Class in Soccer) in the latest State Rankings. The Zizzers came out strong right from the start, playing together and doing a lot of little things right. Defensively the team played well and held the Chiefs to just one goal in the first half. That goal came in the 13th minute as Skyler Russell headed home a cross from the right side. The Zizzers moved the ball well at times and were able to generate some opportunities although Kickapoo controlled more of the possession.
In the second half, the Zizzers continued to do well. Anthony Holt made a couple of great saves to rob the Chiefs of a couple of goals as he played perhaps the best game of his career in goal. The Chiefs would add to their lead in the 19th minute of the half as Caleb Collier headed in a corner kick from Russell to make the score 2-0. Four minutes later, Russell found some space and blasted a shot to the far post to make it 3-0 Chiefs. Ryan Moses would finish the scoring in the 29th minute of the half as he made a run through the defense and put a shot past Holt from the left side.
The Zizzers really played a good team game. The back four of Jack Parrish, Seth Phegley, Klay Norman, and Dylan York did a good job of tracking runners most of the night. In the midfield, Nathan Moore, David Evans, Tony Meza, Cory Parks, Nathan Boys, Ethan Hunt, Brodie Bender, Zach Bartlett, Colton Hensley played well offensively and defensively. At Forward, Meza, Hunt and Jesse Wright put pressure on the Chiefs defenders and worked to create some offensive chances for the Zizzers. And in the goal, Anthony Holt played his most complete game. Great job all the way around against a good Kickapoo team! Let’s finish the season out strong, have some fun and see what happens.
In JV action, The Chiefs defeated the Zizzers 6-0. Despite the score, the Zizzers played one of the best games they have played for awhile. The game was scoreless until the 15th minute as the Zizzers played good defense, helped out by good communication. The Chiefs would add two more goals in the half for a 3-0 halftime lead. Kickapoo would add to their lead in the 12th minute of the second half and then tally additional goals in the 23rd and 25th minutes.
The JV Zizzers played one of their better games defensively led by a great effort from Jonathon Hanshaw in the goal. Offensively, the Zizzers were able to create some chances including a free kick that hit off the post in the first half. All the boys should be commended on a great effort. What a good way to close out the Home Schedule. Good job boys!
Up next for both teams are games Friday at Nixa. JV starts at 4:30pm with Varsity to follow. These are rescheduled games from the first week of the season. Both teams will conclude the regular season next Tuesday at Ozark. JV will play first that night starting at 5:00pm.
