A tale of two halves played out at Utz Field on Tuesday afternoon, as Apple Valley Middle School survived a furious second-half comeback from Polk County Middle to secure a 3-2 Blue Ridge Conference victory.
The visiting Knights (5-1-2) dominated the opening 30 minutes, building a commanding 3-0 lead. Apple Valley struck early when a forward found the left corner in the fourth minute, followed by another similar finish just three minutes later. The Knights extended their advantage in the 14th minute on a long-range effort that Polk goalkeeper Jasper Mathews got his hands to but couldn’t keep out.
Polk County (6-3-1) emerged from halftime a different team, finally breaking through in the 35th minute when Owen Justice headed home Foster Meyer’s corner kick at the near post. Rhys Jackson brought the Wolverines within one in the 41st minute, scoring on a 40-yard free kick that bounced past the Apple Valley keeper.
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Despite maintaining pressure through the closing minutes and creating several promising opportunities, Polk County couldn’t find the equalizer as Apple Valley held on for the win.
“We did not show up in the first half,” said Polk Middle head coach Lennox Charles. “The second half was a complete turnaround, but we couldn’t take advantage of a couple more good chances.”
The Wolverines will look to bounce back quickly as they host Brevard Middle on Wednesday in their final regular-season home match.
