WILLIAMSBURG — Tootie Mahan scored twice and added an assist as Whitley County used a strong first half to secure a 3-1 victory over Hazard in boys soccer action.
The Colonels created several opportunities from the opening minutes before Mahan broke through for the game’s first goal.
“We played well off the start and had several chances early,” Whitley County coach Michael Branham said. “Tootie Mahan broke the ice, finding the back of the net on a long ball from Kaden Davis.”
Whitley County didn’t wait long to add to its advantage. Mahan turned playmaker and delivered a cross to Tucker Hale, who finished it to give the Colonels a 2-0 lead.
“A few minutes later, Tucker Hale finished a cross from Tootie to make it 2-0,” Branham said. “Tootie scored his second goal on a header from a Brayden Hale corner kick.”
That sent Whitley County into halftime with a commanding 3-0 advantage, with Mahan having a hand in all three goals.
The Colonels weren’t as sharp after the break, but their first-half performance provided enough of a cushion to withstand Hazard’s attempt at a comeback.
“Up 3-0 at half, I feel like we came out flat in the second half,” Branham said. “We could’ve played better but did enough to hold Hazard to one long goal off a free kick deflection.”
After navigating a challenging stretch of its schedule, Branham was pleased to see his team get back in the win column.
“We’ve had four tough games in a row, so to get the win tonight feels good, and we look to keep the momentum to finish out the season.”
