Penalty kick lifts Polk JVs to victory at Owen

Erik Ramirez Torres buried a penalty kick in the right corner Monday afternoon, providing the only goal Polk County’s junior varsity soccer team needed in a 1-0 Western Highlands Conference victory at Owen.

A tactical adjustment by coach Blair Ruth proved decisive. Ruth moved Ramirez Torres from center midfield to outside midfield before kickoff, giving the skilled dribbler more space to exploit in the open field. That decision paid dividends when Ramirez Torres drew the penalty that ultimately decided the match.

Ruth made another key positional change, shifting Hunter Ledford from outside midfield into the center midfielder role. Ledford responded with what varsity head coach George Alley called “the performance of the game,” anchoring the middle of the field with tough defensive work and precise passing that kept Polk County in control.

The defensive foundation remained solid as goalkeeper Jackson Blotner and center back Matt Jarrett continued their stellar play, preserving the clean sheet against Owen’s attack.

The victory improves Polk County’s record to 3-2-1 as the Wolverines build momentum in conference play. Polk County returns home Monday to face Mountain Heritage.