Fairfield Lions fall to Eastern Warriors in SHAC battle
Fairfield freshman Joel Matthews is pictured in the Lions' game against Eastern Wednesday. (HCP Photos/Stephen Forsha)
LEESBURG — Gaining the early lead in the first half wasn’t enough for the host Fairfield Lions on Wednesday night against a Southern Hills Athletic Conference foe, the Eastern Warriors. Though the Lions scored first, it was four unanswered goals by Eastern that settled the final score, with the Warriors winning 4-1.
The Lions’ goal in the first half put them ahead by a 1-0 lead as an own goal by the Warriors — with pressure by Fairfield’s Dane Hodson causing the own goal — put the Lions on the board.
From there, it was all Eastern on the scoreboard as senior Noah Shuemake scored two goals, while EHS teammates junior Maxwell Casteel and junior Hunter Gould each scored one goal.
“It was a good first half. We just were 15 players, and we had two go down with injury, so we had to start subbing a little differently, and we kind of wore out,” FHS head coach Jacob Alexander said. “Those goals in the second half, we gave up three. A lot of that can be attributed to just injuries caught up with us.”
One assist each for the Warriors were credited to Casteel, and Luke West, while two assists were credited to sophomore Jayse Riggs.
At goal for the Lions was Carson Jenkins with two saves and Zane Matthews with four saves. Eastern keeper, sophomore Chase Pinkerton, totaled eight saves in their victory.
“I really appreciate the effort of all the players we had, with a couple that tried to push through some injury,” Alexander said. “Carson Jenkins going in at goal. Zane Matthews at goal is always something to watch, and he did a great job.
“I know the scores don't always reflect it, because it's hard back there, but both our goalies did a good job (Wednesday) of it, and it could have been a much different score without them.”
Next for Fairfield is a SHAC game on Friday, Sept. 13 on the road against the Whiteoak Wildcats at 4:30 p.m. at Bright Elementary.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.
