Hillsboro Indians double up host Fairfield Lions in season opener

LEESBURG — The 2023 boys soccer season began on Friday night with the Hillsboro Indians defeating the host Fairfield Lions, 6-3 in a battle of two strong Highland County soccer teams. 

The Indians (1-0) led 4-1 at halftime, but the Lions (0-1) and Indians each scored two goals apiece in the second half. 

Hillsboro’s goals included two from Wesley Bailey, two by Austin Bledsoe and one each by Ryan Howland and Carson Scott. 

HHS had assists credited to Howland (two), Ryan Fender and Keahi Mhanna.

“It’s good to get out and get the first win of the season,” HHS head coach Ben Howland said. “We had a great summer, played in a couple tournaments and showcase. The boys were excited today. They all know each other, and it’s fun to come out here the first time and get a win."

Howland also spoke about the halftime lead. 

“Wesley scored there with his long pass and long run with 10 or 15 seconds to go, so it was a little bit of a bonus,” Howland said. “I would’ve liked to have not let a few others in, but we’re learning back there.”

Fairfield’s first goal of the game was an own goal by Hillsboro in the first half. In the second half, Fairfield’s JD Duncan and Logan McIntosh each scored a goal, with McIntosh having a goal via penalty kick with 23:09 left in regulation. 

This is the second consecutive win for Hillsboro against the Lions, as last season HHS defeated Fairfield, 3-0. 

Howland discussed the offseason and preseason of the Indians as well as expectations this fall. 

“We had a good tournament. We just went to the Valerie Cute. It’s at Wright State. We did well there. We went to the Little Miami tournament and did well there. We went to the Logan Showcase one-day deal. That was a long, hard day, four games,” he said. “The boys have been great. We’ve got turf now, and the stadium is beautiful. We’re excited and haven’t had a home game in a while, it feels like, so we’re excited to get back there. It’s been great. I’ve got a great bunch of kids. They all show up, nobody complains, they’re all friends, they do everything together. I’m excited.

“We’ve got four seniors [Mhanna, Scott, Isaac Brandyberry and Jacob Schommer], and three are captains. They’ve been through at all. We’re going to rely on them a lot. We’ve got a good junior class and a couple young guys. These guys have been playing forever, and we’re excited to get them all out there.”

Next for the Lions is a game on Tuesday, Aug. 15 on the road at Middletown Christian at 6 p.m. 

Hillsboro plays again on Wednesday, Aug. 23 on the road at Logan Elm with a start time of 5 p.m. 

BOX SCORE
HHS    4 2 — 6
FHS    1 2 — 3