Arendell Parrott soccer gets back to the field
Arendell Parrott’s soccer team goes through postgame exercises after Tuesday’s match against St. David’s. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
Tuesday was more about the team’s performance off the field than on it.
As Arendell Parrott transitioned back to school, the soccer team brought in cleaning supplies for those affected by Hurricane Florence. Each team member brought a bucket full of materials, while the opposing St. David’s team did its part by contributing about two trash bags full of supplies.
The Patriots did fall to the Warriors 5-1 in their first game since Sept. 6 and APA coach Shivar Person said it was a rough transition.
“It’s frustrating not being here, but like I told the boys ‘there are more important things out there,’” Person said. “We had a lot of people in the community affected, including some (members) of the team, so to have to come out two weeks after not doing anything and then play a game against a good team in your conference, it makes the first day back to school very tough.”
APA (4-9) had just two practices since the storm but withstood an early St. David’s flurry with Thomas Grubb making several saves in the process. In the 14th minute, however, the Warriors (6-5) got on the board with a Miller Ashe goal. The Patriots were out-shot 21-8, but continued to make plays defensively, including Hayden Blizzard kicking the ball out of an open net in the 23rd minute just before the ball went through, but Ashe would score in the 26th and 28th minutes before a lightning delay to take momentum back.
“We were just passing it around, opening it up and keeping possession,” Ashe said.
St. David’s would take a 4-0 lead and APA’s lone goal would come in the 61st minute with Harris Barker converting. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the Warriors would score just two minutes later for the final margin.
Barker said the loss was tough, but it felt good to play again.
“It’s been hard with two weeks off, sitting around not being able to practice, but most of us are ready to get back on the field,” Barker said.
Person said there is a silver lining in defeat.
“We’re competitive and have the mindset of wanting to beat everybody,” Person said. “We know we can play better against this team and showing what we can do with two weeks off, it can only get better when we get back to normalcy.”
APA is accepting cleaning supplies until Thursday. Those wanting to donate can either drop them off at the school or contact Person at sperson@parrottacademy.org.
