A strong first half Monday helped Hendersonville Middle power past Polk County Middle 3-1 in a Blue Ridge Conference East Division showdown at Utz Field.
The Bearcats (7-0) controlled possession throughout much of the opening half, keeping Polk County (5-2-1) pinned in its defensive end. The pressure finally paid off in the 19th minute when a Hendersonville corner kick deflected off a Wolverine defender and into the net for the game’s opening goal.
Just three minutes later, Hendersonville extended its lead with a shot from 21 yards out, taking a 2-0 advantage into halftime.
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The Bearcats pushed their lead to 3-0 in the 35th minute with a near-post finish from seven yards out before Polk Middle (5-2-1) began to find its footing. The Wolverines created several promising opportunities, including a 40th-minute corner kick that nearly resulted in a goal before Hendersonville’s defense cleared the danger.
Owen Justice finally broke through for Polk County in the 45th minute, capitalizing on a ball played over Hendersonville’s defense. Justice won a challenge with the Bearcat goalkeeper and tapped the loose ball into an empty net to cut the deficit to 3-1.
The Wolverines had another excellent chance in the 53rd minute at the back post but couldn’t convert, as Hendersonville held on for the win.
Polk County Middle will look to bounce back quickly as the Wolverines travel to Rugby Middle on Wednesday.
