Lake Norman Publications

Soccer coaches balance playoffs, starting girls season



Hough players Eugenio de la Parra Polina (10) and Evan Smith (23) celebrate a goal in a 4-1 win over North Meck March 9. /
Doug Coats

COVID-era condensed schedules have created mostly conference-only regular-season matchups for many teams across several sports, but local boys soccer teams have benefited from their rare out-of-league opponents.

Before Hough would begin its run for another I-Meck 4A title, the Huskies schedule was put on pause, along with the rest of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. When the conference decided to just play each opponent once with two weeks chopped off the schedule, that allowed the Huskies to play powerhouse teams from the south side of the county. They fell to Providence then tied with Myers Park before an undefeated conference run.

“It helped us tremendously,” coach David Smith said of the non-conference opponents. “It was great for us. We knew that would really get prepared to play in conference and hopefully we’ll do well in the playoffs. I’m proud of the boys.”

Hough faced a grueling stretch of three games in three days to wrap up its seven-game I-Meck slate. Teams are capped at two games per week, unless there is a makeup contest. Smith wasn’t thrilled with the scenario, but his squad led by forward Evan Smith and senior goalkeeper Caden Johnson still swept Mallard Creek, North Meck and Vance by a combined score of 18-4 – all on different styles of fields.

“We played at the big field at Mallard Creek then at North Meck, which was the only game on grass and a much smaller field, then back at home on the turf,” he said. “We’re having fun right now. I’m proud the boys were able to win another conference title.”

Community School of Davidson took home the PAC 7 1A championship, finishing 11-1 in league play. Coach Lee Ennis’ team still squeezed in tests against teams in larger classifications.

The Spartans shut out 4A playoff team Mooresville 1-0 in a mid-season break from conference play, then won 2-0 over 2A Lake Norman Charter March 10.

“Anytime you can include quality competition in your schedule, it is advantageous,” Ennis said. “Since we had one less team in the conference, we had two openings in the schedule and we immediately wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to add teams to test us and help us prepare for the playoff season. Both teams we added were quality and accomplished that goal.”

The two shutouts against non-conference foes continued a theme from the entire season for the Spartans. Senior goalkeeper Ethan Baker’s leadership and experience has been vital on the pitch. He’s allowed one goal since the opener against rival Pine Lake Prep.

“As a four-year starter, along with his skillset, Ethan gives the team the stability of knowing we are going to get a superior performance each and every match,” Ennis said. “With his experience and knowledge of the game, he is the next best thing to having an additional coach on the field and provides a second-to-none level of leadership to the team.”

Hough’s David Smith is one of a few local coaches handling both boys and girls soccer duties at the same time. /Doug Coats

A balancing act 

Besides being conference champions, Ennis and Smith have something else in common this spring. Both have started practice for the girls soccer team as the boys are wrapping up their seasons.

Usually the boys play in the fall and the girls in the spring. Despite a busy week that included three boys games and a girls scrimmage, Smith said the different styles his two Hough teams play has made the experience easier.

“I’ve got a senior experienced goalkeeper with boys, and on the girls two young sophomore keepers. That’s a huge difference right there,” Smith said. “In terms of what we do, (they are) different players, though I almost said one of the girl names at halftime of a boys game. The girls especially are so pumped after what happened last spring. It’s easy to keep the two separated. I’m very fortunate that we have such great kids and talented players.”

Ennis credits his coaching staff and players’ leadership for making the adjustment.

“I’m doing the best I can, and fortunately, I have very knowledgeable and experienced assistants who are more than able to ensure our kids get what they need through training and preparation,” he said. “Senior leadership and captains of both teams have also done their part when needed.”

East repeats too

Despite losing two of the most prolific scorers in the state from 2019, East Lincoln still repeated as South Fork 2A champions. The Mustangs (10-1-1) didn’t lose until their final regular-season game to Newton-Conover.

1st round of playoffs: Tuesday, March 16

4A

Hough* vs. Page, 6 p.m.

Lake Norman at Hickory Ridge, 6 p.m.

Mooresville at Durham Jordan, 6 p.m.

2A

East Lincoln* vs. Forbush, 6:30 p.m.

1A

Community School of Davidson* vs.Uwharrie Charter, 7 p.m.

Christ the King* vs. Pine Lake Prep, 7 p.m.

Langtree Charter at Research Triangle High School, 6 p.m.

*Local Conference Champions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *