Polk County Middle had to battle Apple Valley, the heat and a couple of missed opportunities Wednesday.
The Wolverines kept battling long enough to find a winner.
Rhys Jackson scored on a free kick in overtime to lift Polk County to a 3-2 victory over Apple Valley Middle at Utz Field, keeping the Wolverines unbeaten through four matches.
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With temperatures forcing water breaks every 10 minutes, Polk struck first in the eighth minute. Matthew Alvarez sent a cross into the penalty area that deflected off an Apple Valley defender and into the net for an own goal.
Apple Valley answered four minutes later, scoring from about 12 yards out to make it 1-1.
Polk had an opportunity to regain the lead in the 18th minute when Sawyer Searcy was fouled in the penalty area, but the ensuing penalty kick sailed high.
The teams remained tied at halftime.
Searcy put Polk back in front in the 40th minute. After a wall pass in midfield, Searcy dribbled past three defenders before finishing from about six yards for a 2-1 lead.
Apple Valley again responded, tying the match in the 54th minute. A free kick from roughly 35 yards deflected off a Polk defender and slipped past a diving Josiah Collier into the right corner of the goal.
That sent the match to overtime tied at 2-2.
Both teams created chances early in overtime before Polk finally broke through. Kenneth Dotson was fouled about 25 yards from goal, setting up a free kick for Jackson.
Jackson made it count, driving his shot past the goalkeeper and into the upper right corner for the game-winner.
“Both teams worked hard despite the heat,” Polk Middle coach Lennox Charles said. “We kept working and fighting and it paid off for us. Proud of the team today.”
Polk County improved to 4-0 overall. The Wolverines return to Utz Field next Wednesday to face Brevard Middle.
