Unbeaten Franklin Co. kicks Brook

By TOM GOETZ, DAILY LEADER Sports Editor 

The Franklin County Bulldogs showcased their soccer skills Tuesday night on King Field, sweeping Brookhaven's girls and boys in a varsity twinbill. Franklin County's unbeaten boys cruised to a 4-1 triumph and the Lady Bulldogs prevailed 3-2 in a close contest. FCHS 3, Brookhaven 2 Junior forward Siedriq Middleton scored twice for the Lady Bulldogs. Harley McKay scored her team's first goal as FCHS took a 3-1 halftime lead. Middleton also provided an assist. Macy Zisken worked as FCHS goalkeeper. She saved nine of Brook's 11 shots on goal. The Lady Bulldogs raised their record to 11-2-1. "I liked the way we came out and scored in the first minute," said FCHS first-year coach Jeff Long, who coached the Clinton boys for 13 years and won 4 State titles. "We have tended to be a second-half team this season. It was good to see Si'edriq play well tonight. She has been recovering from a knee sprain and is just now nearing 100%." The Lady Panthers (5-6) got single goals from Taylor Murray and Elaina Madison, who scored off a corner kick. Serving as BHS goalkeeper was Shelby Case. She was credited with 7 saves. "It was a close game up until the end," said BHS girls coach Kevin Bower. "We had two shots hit the side netting near the end of the game. It was a lot closer than last time." Bower was referring to his team's 5-1 loss at Franklin County, Nov. 30. FCHS 4, Brookhaven 1 Coach Long's Bulldogs remain undefeated in 14 games. Early in the game, Bulldog Matt Brasher launched a long pass from near midfield and Zane Mullins scored on a header. It was the 14th goal of the season for Mullins. Greg Queen scored FC's second goal on an assist from Kemo Verdin. Brasher scored on an unassisted goal that ricocheted off a Panther defender and found the net. Brasher provided the next goal on a corner kick. Dequay Allen scored on a header. "We got off to a fast start," said Long. "The second half got real physical. There were a lot of cards on Brookhaven's side. I was pleased with the way our guys kept their composure,and we walked away without any serious injuries. I am very please with our defense which has been the main reason for our success." Senior defenders Allen, Brasher, and MAC All Star selection Brendan Beach have helped the Dawgs to 10 shutouts including 9 consecutive at one point. Benard Selmon and DJ Booker have provided good depth on the back line for the Dawgs. The Panthers (6-5), coached by Anjan Karmacharya, had 5 yellow cards, including an injection. On defense, goalie Trey Bailey made 6 saves for the Bulldogs. Forward Quinn Cooper scored for the Panthers (6-5). Keeper Andrew Culver had 5 saves. Franklin County hosts Wesson Thursday night at Bude's FC Soccer Complex. The varsity girls play at 5:30, followed by the boys at 7. Brookhaven resumes play Jan. 8, 2013, at Pearl. It will be Brook's first region game of the season.