The Fannin County Rebels soccer team traveled to Union County Tuesday, February 25, to take on the Panthers.
The Panthers were undefeated going into the game, which put more pressure on Fannin County, but the Rebels never waivered. Fannin was dominant on the ball for the majority of the game.
Strong defensive play by Michael Dillard, Samuel Dillard, Eli Brisbay, and captains Tristan Cheves and Chandler Bond held Union County scoreless in the first half.
Sophomore Hayden Lynch opened the scoring for the Rebels with a 35-yard shot that sent the ball scorching past the Union goalkeeper.
After the half the Panthers were able to score their only goal, bringing the score even at 1-1.
The Rebels put on more steam and fought back against Union County’s efforts and maintained possession of the ball for the majority of the half.
Late in the game with time winding down, the Rebels’ “talisman” and high-scorer Andrew Jones put Fannin in the lead with a leaping bicycle kick that slotted in the upper 90 degree corner of the goal.
Coach Lee Johnson was amazed at Jones’ goal, saying, “In 15 years of coaching high school soccer, that’s the best game winning goal I’ve ever witnessed.”