TANNER SQUEEZES PAST ELKMONT IN SHOOTOUT

Elkmont's mens soccer team lost in a heartbreaking shootout, stopping their state title run.  Greatly appreciate the efforts of our soccer reporter as she has followed our team on their journey. Hill Spirit has been out of town for several days so pretend that you are reading the following post the morning after the game.

KICKING' RED DEVILS REPORTER'S CORNER:
Well, the soccer reporter needs to be fired. I didn't get the stats from last night's game. I have no idea who scored (even though I bet Danny did at least once) and am clueless about how many saves Tee had (it felt like a million). 

I don't understand a lot of the rules (even though Tyler's mom often reads them to me - and the refs- when she looks them up on her I-phone) so I didn't even know that the shootout resulted in a final score of 4-3 until I saw it on al.com this morning. 

So, with no stat book to rely upon, I am reporting on what I did see - and feel- Tuesday night. Elkmont's soccer team is a classy bunch. In a game that often looked like it belonged in an octagon, this team never - not one time - reacted in a way other than with complete and utmost class and respect for those around them. 

They played hard and, even when circumstances they could not control were not in their favor, they never complained, they never questioned, they never criticized, and they never hung their heads. 

They just kept playing hard and with a passion for the game that the rest of us have so enjoyed watching this season. 

I hope these kids realize how much we love watching them play each and every game and how proud we are when we wear our Elkmont Soccer shirts . These guys are the real deal - both on and off the field. 
 

Barry Pugh often says that if a school is described as a community's house, then the athletic teams are that house's porch - it's what everyone sees and the standard by which the community is often judged. I am so proud that others get to see these soccer players on Elknont's "porch" because they represent our school and community so well That was evident on Tuesday night. Pride, Persistence. Purpose. 

Did these young men win Tuesday night? The scoreboard says no. Are they winners? 100 percent yes, in every way. Great season guys! All of us are very proud of you. Go Red Devils!We are so proud of them and all that they have accomplished this season.