In a back-and-forth Blue Ridge Conference clash Wednesday, Apple Valley Middle used a strong second half to secure a 4-2 victory over Polk County Middle, handing the Wolverines their first loss of the season.
The match in Hendersonville opened with explosive action as Polk’s Bret Burgin found the net in the first minute, collecting his own rebound near post to give the Wolverines (4-1) an early advantage. However, Apple Valley (1-0-2) responded immediately, equalizing just a minute later when their forward beat a defender and fired home from six yards out.
Apple Valley took the lead later in the first half with a strike from 17 yards that found the top right corner.
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Polk showed resilience early in the second half when Callaway Cameron capitalized on a rebound following Rhys Jackson’s 40-yard free kick, bringing the score level at 2-2 in the 42nd minute.
But Apple Valley’s attacking unit proved too much down the stretch. The visitors pulled ahead in the 52nd minute with a back-post finish, and despite a promising Polk chance in the 56th minute, sealed the victory with another goal from seven yards out in the 58th minute.
The loss snaps Polk Middle’s four-game winning streak to start the season. The Wolverines will look to bounce back Monday when they travel to Brevard Middle for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff.
