Second-half breakthrough lifts Polk Middle to home win

Asher Brooks’ second-half goal lifted Polk County Middle to a 1-0 victory Tuesday over Apple Valley in a Blue Ridge Conference East Division match at utz Field.

Polk Middle improved to 3-1-1 with the win. Apple Valley dropped to 1-1-1.

The Wolverines had a pair of close-range scoring opportunities in the first half, but failed to convert either. That changed midway through the second half as Brooks struck a low shot that deflected off a Knights defender and into the net.

Polk Middle’s defense made the one-goal lead stand, with Jackson Blotner finishing with two saves as the Wolverine back line largely kept attackers at bay.

Polk Middle hits the road on Wednesday, traveling to Hendersonville Middle for a 4:30 p.m. match.