Parrott soccer earns shutout victory
Arendell Parrott Academy's Kolby Jones prepares to take a corner kick in Wednesday's win over John Paul II. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
Arendell Parrott Academy won its first game with a comeback and followed with an offensive explosion.
The Patriots registered six goals in the game’s first 23 minutes, eventually picking up a 9-0 victory over Greehville John Paul II Wednesday. Parrott (2-3) came back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game and win on penalty kicks Saturday against Fayetteville Village Christian, but pulled out a win handily against the Saints.
“We just wanted to come out fast,” APA coach Shivar Person said. “Playing Saturday, we had a lot of momentum coming from behind for the win, which helped us out. We said we want to treat any team we play like the best team we’re going to play this season and when you have that adrenaline you can start fast, and it was fun.”
The fun for Parrott started 93 seconds into the contest when Caleb Allen found George Dismukes, who scored for the early advantage. About four minutes later, Josh Okonkwo scored on a pass from Richard William and in the eighth minute, Harris Barker scored on a pass from Dismukes. The two would connect three minutes later, followed by a Duito Mozie goal — on an assist from Sam Okonkwo — in the 19th minute. When Harrison Hall took a pass from Marshall Taylor in the 23rdminute for a score, the Patriots led 6-0.
“We started out practicing in the summer, built chemistry and had a good game (Wednesday),” Dismukes said.
John Paul II would have two great opportunities, but Parrott goalkeeper John Grice saved both in the 27th minute. The Patriots led 6-0 at halftime and the onslaught continued after the break. Sam Okonkwo scored on an Antonio Lersch assist, Barker picked up his hat trick on another Dismukes assist and Allen’s goal from a Mozie assist in the 66th minute put the mercy rule in effect to shorten the game.
“Once we started going, we kept with it,” Barker said. “The harder we play and the more goals we put on the board, the better we feel.”
The Patriots are on the road against Wayne Country Day Thursday.
