(Photo by Randy Hunt of R & R Photography)
Wow! What a battle it was on Saturday when the #8 Seed West Plains Zizzers took on the #1 Seed Bolivar Liberators. We should know what to expect when these two teams face each other. This was the third meeting between the two teams. The Zizzers won the first battle 1-0 in 2006 and Bolivar won the second 3-2 in Overtime in 2007. This game woudln’t disappoint.
Both teams came ready to play and play hard. Bolivar struck consecutive shots off the crossbar early in the match, but didn’t find the net until the 22nd minute. Mitchell Waters found Bradley Stillwagon down the middle of the field. Stillwagon beat a Zizzer defender and placed a shot past Louis Jones for a 1-0 lead. The teams continued the strong play, but there would be no more scoring in the first half.
The second half was more of the same from both teams. Bolivar would go up 2-0 in the 45th minute. Matt Magana sent a long ball near the back post off a flip throw. Bradley Stillwagon was there to head it in and extend the Liberators lead. Three minutes later the Zizzers would get on the scoreboard as a result of corner kick. Justyn Biggers is credited with the goal which can be seen here courtesy of Steve Olson of SGFsoccer.com. One minute later, Klay Norman cut across the 18 yard box and sent a shot (pictured – courtesy of Randy Hunt of R & R Photography) into the far corner to tie the game at 2-2. Despite some great chances for both teams, there would be no more scoring during regulation or the two 15-minute Overtime periodsthat followed.
The winner would be decided in a Penalty Kick Shootout. The Zizzers would shoot first. Klay Norman’s shot was stopped by Kyle “Toad” Slagle. Bolivar’s first shot by Bradley Stillwagon would go over the goals. Next up for West Plains was Dylan York. York’s shot was also stopped by Slagle. Mitchell Waters would score his shot for Bolivar giving them a 1-0 lead. Chris Polston was up next for the Zizzers. Polston’s shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced out. Tinash Zungura scored the next shot for the Liberators for a 2-0 lead. Jack Parrish stepped up for the Zizzers and cut the lead to 2-1. Matt Magana was up next. Magana scored his shot to give Bolivar a 3-1 lead.
The Zizzers have nothing to hang their heads about. They did everything we asked of them and left it all on the field. This was a great game to be a part of. Bolivar is a good well coached team. Coach Steve Fast, Jeff Edge and the rest of their staff do an excellent job. It is always fun to play against Bolivar. Congratulations Liberators, we wish you the best of luck the rest of the way.
For the Zizzers, this is something we can build on for next season. We worked hard and improved tremendously throughout the season. We believed in each other and worked hard. Let’s take that with us during the offseason and come back stronger next season. For 5 Seniors (Louis Jones, Klay Norman, Cory Parks, Jack Parrish, Travis Waterson), this was their last game. We want to thank them for all of the contributions they made to our program and wish them the best in their futures. The Zizzers end their season with a record of 4-21, the best 4-21 team I have seen. Good Job Boys!
Here is an interview Steve Olson did with Klay Norman after the game.
For photos taken by Steve Olson click here. For more photos taken by Randy Hunt click here. Thanks Guys! We appreciate your efforts.
Great game Zizzers! You guys really stepped up when it counts the most. I now have several more grey hairs thanks to another classic Bolivar vs West Plains dual.
What class, dignity and heart the Zizzers played with on Saturday afternoon! What a way to go out! I don’t believe I have witnessed a team play with as much heart as you all did in that game!!! How proud we all are of you!!!