03/28/2024
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East Bladen High SchoolELIZABETHTOWN -East Bladen’s Eagles posted one victory and one tie Thursday night as they hosted the Bladen Cup soccer scrimmages.

The Eagles battled Wilmington Christian Academy, the defending NCCSA Class AA State champions, to a scoreless tie.  Neither team could find the back of the net. East Bladen had the best chance with under 10 minutes left to play but was turned away by diving save.

“We were the aggressor and had more looks on goal (8-2),” said Eagle Coach Jay Raynor.  “Wilmington Christian only had looks on free kicks generated from fouls in our half of the field.”

In a rematch of last year’s first round Class 2A playoff game, East Bladen defeated North Brunswick 2-0 – the same score that the Eagles won last year’s play-off game by.

Greyson Heustess put away a corner kick from Gabe Barber for the first Eagle goal early in the match. Jake Evans banged in a rebound from 8 yards out for the second East goal.

The Bladen Cup expanded to 6 teams this year with Wilmington Christian Academy, Harrells Christian Academy, West Columbus, South Columbus and North Brunswick joining East Bladen.  “We have had a lot of interest in our Bladen Cup, and our facilities are a big reason for that,” said Coach Raynor. “We had a huge turnout Thursday night.”

“We have made some major improvements to the soccer facility,” noted Raynor. “It’s really cool to see things change.  We owe that to the community and the school. We have a ton of support which allows us to make improvements and provide our kids with the best. Not only the best equipment or facilities but the best high school experience that they could possibly have. I highly encourage everyone in the community to catch a home game and support the boys and see the change that our program has made and continues to make.”

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