Special to the MDN – The Swain High Men’s Soccer team hosted the Highlands Highlanders on Monday night in a critical conference matchup. Going into the game the Devils were one game ahead of the Highlanders in the Smoky Mountain Conference. Just 7 minutes into the game Senior Gavin Lanning would chip the ball over the Highlander back line finding Junior Landon Matz on the run and Matz would finish it off with a goal. With 11 minutes left in the half the Highlanders would make a cross behind the Devil back line finishing it off with a goal. The half would end with the Devils and Highlanders tied up 1-1.
The second half would start off with both teams playing strong defense. With 16 minutes left in the game, Matz would take the ball up the right side crossing it to Junior Gavin Rowland, who would then finish the cross on over to Sophomore Owen Craig who would put the Devils up 2-1. Just 40 seconds later Lanning would take a free kick finding Senior Lucas Trantham on the back side for another Swain goal. Swain would finish out the game taking the 3-1 win. “We knew going into the game that Highlands would be tough. They are a good team for sure.” said Head Coach Scott Cline. “We had a rough start in the beginning of the game. It basically came down to who wanted it more and were willing to dig deep to get the win. The fan support was awesome to have also.”
On Defense Senior Lucas Trantham led the way with 20 Clears/Steals. He was followed by Junior Canon Helpman with 11, Senior Taligwo Walker with 9 and Senior Levi Trantham with 7. In goal Junior Cameron Phillips recorded 12 Goalkeeper Saves. The Player of the Game for the Devils was Lucas Trantham. “Lucas did a great job leading the defense and stepping up and helping out on offense at times. He even stepped up and scored an important goal for us.” said Cline.