Wow, what a season we have had so far this year. With some serious recruiting we have been able to have a JV team for the first time in several years and have been doing quite well considering almost all of them have never played before at the high school level. Several new players joined the team and supplied the varsity team some much needed strength especially in defense. Forrest Carter, Mitch Easter, and a returning Bear Sobotka teamed up with Ricky Price to have a very solid starting defense. Colton Dalton’s work as a defensive center midfielder has added another element. Midfield play has been improving each game allowing the offense to concentrate on taking the game to the other team and scoring more. We have scored 49 goals so far this season. We have subs this year that are making strong contributions with senior John Easter being the first off the bench and giving serious support in the midfield and offense. Mark, Johnny, and Ryan are also counted on to provide relief and are doing a great job. The team is working hard and coming together as our game at Glendale showed. Score was just 1-0 at halftime and stayed that way into the second half until they scored on a PK and a loose ball in the six yard box. Mitchell Boyles has really come into his own in goal with Coach Stufflebeam working with him on improving his technique. He has several shutouts and one-goal games this year. The offense led by Bryce Collier has been providing some real excitement this year by scoring goals and winning games. Bryce has 30 goals at this time and is followed by Michael Freeman, Ben Ballhorn, Cody Wallace, Colton Dalton, and Radu Mariuta in scoring. It has been an exciting season for me as coach watching the boys improving, gaining confidence, winning games, and importantly earning the respect and positive comments of other teams that we play. Taking the team over this year has been very enjoyable, not that there have not been some frustrations and nail-biting, but that comes with the territory. We have two regular season games left against Nixa and Willard and then we face Neosho in the district tournament at Willard. The Nixa game is our senior night at which time we will be celebrating with ten seniors and their parents the players careers and accomplishments. It has been a great year and we are looking for it to get better before it is over.
Coach Hansen
Michael’s father, Keith Freeman - our Booster Club President was injured Wednesday night following a grease fire. He is currently at St. John’s, in the Burn Unit. Please pray for Keith and his family, and for a speedy recovery. We wish you the BEST Keith!
In another great defensive game Tuesday evening the Hornets held the Glendale Falcons to only 3 goals, missing out on several opportunities to put one in the net themselves. The team has really come together, connecting passes and taking shots, as well as playing toe to toe with many talented players on the opposing teams this season. Another great job by Mitch Boyles of stepping up to defend that goal. We are very proud of you boys!
Next up – Senior Night, Tuesday October 28th, vs. the Nixa Eagles. Get out there and SUPPORT YOUR SOCCER TEAM!
Thanks to Steve “Ole” Olsen for the positive comments. ….from www.sgfsoccer.com
“… can’t forget a weekly Shout Out. This one goes out to the Hillcrest Hornets and captain Bryce Collier. The Hornets have now won 8 games this season, their best result ever according to available records. Bryce has also become the Hornet’s all time high scorer with 30 goals thus far, almost double the previous record. Well done Hornets!”
Keep up the great work boys. The Hornets are set to meet up with the Glendale Falcons Tuesday evening at Glendale. JV plays at 5:00, and Varsity game will start at 6:30.
Despite a final score of 0-6 in their loss to the Kickapoo Chiefs Thurday evening - our defense in particular deserves a PAT ON THE BACK. Although we had several opportunities, the shots would just not go in the net for the Hornets tonight. Holding the Chiefs to only 2 goals 1st half, and allowing only 4 in the 2nd half (with one being what appeared to be a deflected own-goal), shows the tenacity these boys continue to show on the soccer field. We are extremely proud of you guys! Keep up the positive attitude and keep working!
Hornets win x 2 this week. After holding off the Central Bulldogs Monday night, with a 5-4 victory, the Hornets won their 2nd conference game of the 2008 season Tuesday by shutting out the Lebanon Yellowjackets 5-0.
Recent past season’s win records: ‘02 – 1, ‘03 – 1, ‘04 – 1, ‘05 – 1, ‘06 – 2, ‘07 – 2 – and ‘08 – 8 and counting! Great job boys!
Thursday evening the Hornets came home with 2 wins over the West Plains Zizzers. In Varsity action, Hillcrest took the lead early in the second half with a goal from Bryce. Our defense held strong over the Zizzers. The 2nd goal came after a Hornet free kick as Colton Dalton sent a shot from the top of the box off the inside of the far post and in the goal for a 2-0 Hornet win. JV also won, 2-1 was the final score.
Action in the upcoming week includes 3 HOME games. Monday vs Central, Tuesday vs. Lebanon, and Thursday vs. Kickapoo. Make sure you come out and support your HILLCREST HORNETS!
Hillcrest Hornets – 6
Ozark Tigers – 3
The Hornet’s won their 5th game of the season Monday after the Tiger’s struck first. The Hornets came back with 3 goals while giving up another to finish the first half with a 3-2 lead. 3 more goals for the Hornet’s put the game beyond reach for the Tiger’s who got the last goal of the night with about 15 minutes left. In addition to being their 5th win of the season. it was Hillcrest’s first ever victory over Ozark. Hornet’s goals were scored by Bryce Collier (3), Michael Freeman (2) and Cody Wallace. Ozark goals scored by x, #10 and #5.
Next up is the Willard Tournament this week – with our first game being on Friday. Here are the first round match ups:
Thursday Oct. 2:
Willard(H) vs Rogersville(V) 6:00 pm Main Field
Friday Oct. 3:
Bolivar(H) vs Hillcrest(V) 5:00 pm Main Field
New Covenant(H) vs Cassville(V) 5:00 pm East Field
Webb City(H) vs Monett(V) 7:00 pm Main Field
Saturday’s first games will be played at either 8:00am or 10:00am. Brackets should be available at the gate. Come out and cheer on our Hornets!
Congratulations to the Hornets on their 2nd place finish this weekend in New Covenant’s tournament. Your work ethic and teamwork are paying off. Great Job!
Vs. Sacred Heart Win 3-0
Vs. New Covenant Loss 5-3
Vs. Central Win 6-1
Default | btsportzmom | 
October 24, 2008 4:53 am | 
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