Panthers clinical in victory
Published 10:27 pm Tuesday, October 31, 2023
- Brookhaven senior Walker Williams, right, scored two goals and helped create chances for his side in a 9-0 win over West Lincoln Tuesday night. (Hunter Cloud | The Daily Leader)
BROOKHAVEN — Ole Brook was lethal in a 9-0 win over West Lincoln in a non-district game. Brookhaven Girls Soccer Head Coach Dustin Bairfield served as the acting coach for the game and said he started subbing younger players in the first half but the Panthers scored too quickly.
Brookhaven senior Ashton Ogletree scored two goals, senior Braden Bairfield scored one, senior Walker Williams scored two goals, senior Michael Stewart scored two goals, junior Markham Williams scored one and senior Waltrelle Smith scored a goal. It was a strong start to the season for the Panthers.
Each of the goals were well worked goals with quality passes, decisive touches and precise shots. Walker Williams created several chances by driving toward the goal line and passing the ball across the face of goal. One of his goals came off of a shot at a narrow angle on a similar run.
“It feels great to get the win. I’m excited for our season and our team and to see what we will do this year,” Williams said. “It is good playing the wings and playing in the middle. We play less selfishly. I could have had more shots tonight but it is more about the team.”
Williams believes this season will be the year for the Panthers to move beyond the first round of the playoffs. They have 11 returning seniors and a majority of the starting 11 have played together for many years.
The chemistry is evident with the tempo they move the ball and how players know when to make their runs. Williams said he thinks they will have a chance to go all the way this year.
“It is nerve wracking playing in my senior season. It is our last year and I want to take it in and be the best I can be,” he said. “I started playing soccer when I was young with my dad. He made a travel team and I have played soccer since then. Soccer is so much fun and it brings me joy. It is awesome to play. I hope to maybe play soccer in college if I can. We will see. I would like to study business and see how things go.”
Brookhaven will play Forest Hill at 7 p.m. Friday. The Panthers are 2-0 to start the season. West Lincoln will next play at McComb on November 7th.