By Hunter Meine (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Lebanon Yellowjackets defeated the Rolla Bulldogs 3-1 on Wednesday night to claim the Class 3 District 9 title. This is the first district title in their program’s history.
Lebanon had a number of chances to score in the first half, including some well-placed crosses by senior Zach Richards that his teammates were just shy of converting. He took matters into his own hands in the 29th minute, taking a corner kick that landed uncontested in the far corner of the goal, just past the outreached hands of the goalie. The Yellowjackets would ride a 1-0 lead into halftime.
Rolla had some solid shot attempts but couldn’t find the back of the net. Lebanon goalie Clayton Frazier played some fantastic defense, stopping a lot of good shots in their tracks. Other attempts off open looks sailed just over the crossbar and out of play.
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The Yellowjackets extended their first half lead in the 18th minute of the second half, when Richards beat the defense to notch a brace assisted by junior Autin Westerlund. Minutes later Richards would complete a hat trick, this time assisted by junior Ryder Rhoades.
After lacking energy for most of the second half, Rolla was finally able to avoid the shutout in the 23rd minute of the second half. Freshman Cameron Cooper was able to direct a header into the back of the net off a corner kick. This would be the last goal of the game.
Lebanon also won their regular season matchup against Rolla decisively, a 4-0 victory on Oct. 12.
This win encapsulates another successful season for Lebanon boys’ soccer. They’ve recorded back to back winning seasons, going 17-9 last year and 16-8 this season. Dating back to 2009 these are the only seasons Lebanon has posted a record above .500. The first district title in program history makes it that much sweeter.
“It’s unbelievable,” said Coach Matt Jernigan on the win. “I’ve been coaching for 13 years and I’ve been working hard for this. These boys have too. I told them that this win isn’t just about this group, it’s for those groups of boys over the past 13 years that have been working their tails off and haven’t had a chance to feel this.”
Richards certainly felt good after the win, whose finishing touch helped the Yellowjackets clinch this historic title.
“I’m excited and ready to play,” he said when asked about the upcoming sectionals match. “Hopefully I’ll perform well and we’ll come out as a team.”
Rolla is a perennial power in Missouri soccer, having won the last four consecutive district titles before this loss. A bright spot for the Bulldogs despite the defeat was sophomore Amari Terrell. He commanded the midfield and turned the tide for his team on many occasions. He already shows great leadership and positioning on the field with two more years to develop and shine for the Rolla Bulldogs.
Lebanon will travel to face Glendale on Saturday in the sectional round.
