By Nick Nunn
Staff Writer

The Morgan County High School girls soccer team shut out Upson-Lee 3-0 in the championship game of the Trojan Cup in Lamar County last Saturday. The boys’ team placed fourth overall, losing their last game of the tournament 5-6 in a penalty kick shoot-out.
Monday, both teams outplayed Putnam County at home; the girls won 3-1 while the boys pulled out a 3-2 victory.
The goal for the girls’ team in the championship game of the Trojan Cup were scored by Susanna Peppers and Holly Peppers, who racked up two during the game.
“It was a very well played game,” said girls coach Jessica Ward. “Our defense really stepped it up and played tough to shut down their offense. Our offense played very well moving and passing and creating opportunities. Morgan County played great as a team.”
The Peppers-Peppers combo served Morgan County well against Putnam County as well this Monday. This time, it was Susanna who scored two of three Morgan County goals, while Holly netted the other to win 3-1.
Although Ricky Strott and Jonathan Camacho were able to build up a 2-0 lead for the boys team against Upson-Lee in the Trojan Cup tournament, a “lull in intensity” allowed Upson-Lee to equalize the score in a six-minute window during the second half, according to boys coach Brandon York.
“Both were scored while they were playing long ball opportunities,” said York. “We simply lost the foot race tracking after their strikers, and Upson-Lee won the two one-versus-one opportunities against our keeper.”
With the time locked at 2-2 at the end of regulation, Morgan County again set up for a penalty kick shoot-out but fell during the seventh round, losing the game 5-6.
Despite the loss, Coach York’s view of the season as a whole is already in place.
“One of my athletes reminded me that we will be primed for region by the time that part of our schedule arrives,” began York.
That's absolutely correct, and I'm pleased that my guys have the presence of mind to understand the importance of the preseason in preparation for the region slate.”
The boys racked up a win Monday night against Putnam County in a back and forth game that was settled in the final few minutes of the second period.
Marcos Martinez had scored the first point of the game for Morgan County, and, shortly after the second period began, the boys went ahead 2-1 thanks to a goal by Ricky Strott.
Putnam tied the game 2-2 after 25 minutes, but, in the final nine minutes of the game, Stefan Kitchen scored the winning goal for Morgan County, who won 3-2.
The next varsity soccer games will take place this Friday against Elbert County on the road. The games will begin at 5:30 for the girls and 7:30 for the boys. Next Monday, they will face Oglethorpe at home at 5:30 and 7:30.

Printed in the February 28, 2013