Glass boys nip GW

By Nathan Warters

Published: May 21, 2008

Will Poats scored the tying goal 40 seconds into the second half, and Hodges Berry tallied the game-winner on a header 13 minutes later as E.C. Glass’s boys soccer team beat George Washington 3-2 in the Western Valley District tournament semifinals Wednesday at City Stadium.

The win clinched at least the sixth straight Northwest Region playoff berth for the Hilltoppers (10-4-3).

They visit Patrick Henry Friday at 7 p.m. in the WVD tournament championship game, and they visit Colonial Forge Monday in the first round of the region playoffs.

“This is our senior year, and I’d like to make this the first team at E.C. Glass to go to states,” Berry said. “Hopefully we can get that second win in the regionals and be the first in Glass history.”

There were times late this season and even in the first half of Wednesday’s game where a trip to the regional playoffs was hardly a guarantee.

“I would have been embarrassed if we didn’t make it,” Poats said. “There was a monkey on our backs, definitely. We couldn’t have players from the past come back and say, ‘Y’all couldn’t make the regionals. Y’all couldn’t win the district.’ We had to come out and prove ourselves.”

Poats’ goal came from 40 yards out. He lofted his shot over the head of Eagles’ goalkeeper Jake Boyer, who played most of the game in reserve of injured starting keeper Joseph Campbell.

Campbell left the game early in the first half after a collision.

Poats’ goal was reminiscent of a drill the Hilltoppers do before every practice. To warm up, the players stand 30 to 40 yards from the goal and kick balls at the crossbar. Glass’ players noticed that Boyer chased after balls, often moving up high in the box to make plays.

Boyer moved up and Poats took aim. The goal was a shot in the arm for the Hilltoppers, who led 1-0 early in the game but fell behind 2-1 at the half thanks to two goals from GW’s Jacob Russell.

The game was tied 2-2 when Drew Devening sent a crossing pass to the left post. Berry made a perfectly timed dive and headed the ball in for his second goal of the game.

“It was an excellent ball, and it just fell right in front of me. I dove and headed it in. That was the difference,” Berry said.