Polk County Middle controlled much of the first half Monday against Rugby Middle, but needed a late goal from Rhys Jackson to salvage a 2-2 Blue Ridge Conference draw at Utz Field.
The Wolverines created repeated opportunities early through throw-ins and corner kicks, but struggled to turn that pressure into a goal.
That changed in the 25th minute. Julian Albarran found Greyson Hinson at the top of the penalty area, and Hinson struck the ball first time, sending a shot just over the goalkeeper’s hands and into the upper right corner for a 1-0 lead.
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Rugby answered four minutes later, scoring off a corner kick to pull even and shift the momentum heading into halftime.
The visitors carried that momentum into the second half, winning more loose balls and creating the more dangerous opportunities as Polk struggled to maintain possession.
Rugby eventually took the lead in the 55th minute, converting a penalty kick to the right of Polk goalkeeper Josiah Collier.
The advantage didn’t last.
Polk earned a free kick roughly 25 yards from goal on the right side, and Jackson drove his attempt into the upper left corner to tie the match at 2-2.
Neither team could find a winner through two overtime periods, leaving Polk County Middle at 5-2-1 overall and 5-2-1 in conference play. Rugby moved to 2-5-1.
Polk returns to action Wednesday with a road match at Apple Valley Middle.
