Soccer squad improves in district
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER'S DAVID CLEVELAND dribbles the ball upfield during a recent soccer contest at home. The Bulldogs showed improvement in their recent district contests.

Jasper High School boys' soccer team showed much improvement last week when they faced Center and district leader Palestine, both of whom gave the Bulldogs a sound drubbing in the first round of district play.

Against Center Feb. 27, the Bulldogs fought to a 1-1 tie at the end of the first half, before falling behind 3-1 at game's end. Earlier in the year, Center beat them 9-0.

"They totally dominated us at the beginning of the season," coach Troy Carpenter said. "This time we played much better. We played well in the first half, playing to a 1-1 tie."

David Cleveland scored Jasper's only goal.

"We had several more opportunities but fell short on our execution," Carpenter said. "I was very proud of our team for playing a physical, aggressive game. There were a few questionable calls, but our kids played through that. We have been working on playing the game instead of arguing calls and I feel they did a good job of this."

Newsboy photo/Georgia Purdy JASPER GOALIE JEFF PARKER goes up to deflect a shot during a recent home contest.

The Bulldogs lost 7-0 to a strong Palestine team Friday night.

"We knew they were tough," Carpenter said. "They are the district leaders. The last time we played them, they beat us 11-0. This time we had some opportunities to score even though we were unsuccessful. Our team is still playing with a lot of energy and desire, and for this, I am most proud.

We have four games left and are looking to be on the winning side of at least one of these contests. It would help us in the future to go out on a winning note."