Polk boys rally to knock off Apple Valley

Once again, Polk County Middle’s boys soccer program picked up a key Blue Ridge Conference win at the expense of Apple Valley.

Much as they did last year, the Wolverines knocked off one of the BRC’s traditional powers, upending the Knights 3-2 on Monday at Utz Field.

The win moves Polk Middle (6-2) into a tie with Apple Valley for second place in the BRC’s East Division. Perhaps more importantly, it gives the Wolverines a boost in chasing one of the six playoff spots across the two divisions.

“That’s two years in a row we’ve beaten Apple Valley. We hadn’t beaten them in a while,” said Polk Middle head coach Lennox Charles. “It was a good one.”

The Knights (6-2) grabbed an early 1-0 lead, but Polk’s Keaundre Green evened the score off a pass from Tanner Osborn in the 19th minute.

Apple Valley, though, responded four minutes later with another score to grab a 2-1 lead at the half.

Green evened the score in the 46th minute off a free kick before Pearson hit the game-winning goal with some six minutes remaining, dribbling past a pair of defenders and driving a shot into the upper right corner of the goal.

The Wolverines are back in action on Wednesday, traveling to Hendersonville Middle for a 4:30 p.m. kickoff.