ELIZABETHTOWN – Clinton senior Josue Villafranco converted a pass from sophomore Walker Spell into the game’s only goal as Southeastern Athletic Conference champion Clinton edged East Bladen 1-0 Wednesday night in their regular season finale.
The teams battled through a scoreless 1st half. “We got behind them a few times and had some really good looks that we couldn’t put home,” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor. “We were able to keep Clinton in front of us and force them to take shots from distance that Lee (Barnes) handled with no problem.”
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Photos by Kenneth Armstrong
The Dark Horses outshot the Eagles 10-9. “It was a great game,” said Raynor. “Clinton’s size and aggressiveness in the midfield caused us issues all night. Even with numbers in the midfield, we couldn’t seem to win 50/50 balls at times. When we could win those we were dangerous.”
A misplayed ball led to the Clinton goal. “We had several chances to clear it,” noted Raynor. “They pounced on it and put it in. You hate to give that up. They put us under pressure and were more aggressive to start the second half. Credit them for forcing us into a mistake. That’s what good teams do.”
Raynor continued, “Malcolm Bolden and Chace Butler caused them issues. Their speed and aggressiveness had a huge impact on the game. Blaine Pope was also able to make some plays for us at crucial times in the midfield.”
Barnes was credited with 8 saves. “Lee and Chase Starkloff have great chemistry,” stated Raynor. “Without those two communicating and working together like they did tonight, the game could have easily gotten out of hand. I’m not sure there is a better defender in the league than Chase. His experience and leadership in the back makes a huge difference. He left it all on the field and kept everyone organized in the back.”
Raynor added, “Jacob Nixon and Sam (Inscoe) controlled the midfield for us. They are deadly on set pieces and came close numerous times to scoring. Their height and aggression is hard to match. They both were able to neutralize Clinton’s size on their set pieces.”
Others who drew praise from Raynor included Omarion Atkinson and Tyreon Graham. “Omarion was big for us coming off the bench and made several plays that resulted in us getting looks on goal. Tyreon had a great game for us. He left it all on the field and has gelled well in the back.“
Raynor added, “You hate to lose to Clinton but that’s a top program in the state. We have shown that we can play with anyone when we decide to play. My guys battled. They played in a game that was physical. Our last two games had playoff feels to them. I am super proud of my guys.”
East Bladen celebrated Senior Night and recognized seniors Blake Allen, Chase Starkloff, Ishmael Arteaga, Joel Johnson, Ruben Alvarado, Sammy Valerio, and Sam Inscoe.
“I am thankful for this group of seniors,” said Raynor. “They have worked and given a lot to this program. They have been committed and bettered themselves as well as their teammates. They took a young and inexperienced team and made them better. They are determined to be better, on and off the field. They never quit. They have left the program better than they found it.”
The Eagles, now 4-6 in league play and 9-8 overall, will have to wait until Friday when the NCHSAA seeding and playoff bids are announced to learn about their playoff future.
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