FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Chelsea High School boys’ soccer team outlasted the Westminster School at Oak Mountain 7-1 in a non-region match-up March 7.

Early on, both teams created some tense moments, but neither side could find the back of the net. Westminster’s Whitten Green broke free on an early opportunity behind the Chelsea back line, but just before he was going to shoot from 10 yards out, Chelsea’s Robby Haskins poked the ball away safely out of bounds.

Moments later, on the other end, Ashley Page broke free for the Hornets on what looked like a sure goal, but Westminster’s keeper Jake Doggett made an incredible save with his foot on Page’s shot toward the back post.

Eventually, midway through the half, Page finally got through and found the back of the net on a cross from Dakota Dresbach, and Chelsea led 1-0. Moments later, Chelsea forward Will Bevill notched another goal for the Hornets and Chelsea seemed to be comfortably ahead. However, Chelsea could not maintain the momentum and the half ended with the Hornets up 2-0.

It only took several minutes into the second half for Westminster’s Green to get another breakaway and this time he was not denied. Suddenly, Chelsea’s lead was only one. The Knights’ elation from that goal was short-lived though, as a foul in the box led to a Chelsea penalty kick, which Page buried to give Chelsea a 3-1 lead. From there, the Hornets turned on the firepower and pulled away for the 7-1 win.

Page and Bevill finished the night with two goals each. Dresbach added a goal and two assists, while Vitalik Carter and Travis Mitchell each notched a goal.

Page’s second goal of the night was his 14th of the season and his 71st of his career, leaving him two goals shy of the all-time school record of 73. His next opportunity to tie or break the mark is March 8 as Chelsea visits Chilton County.