“We’ll see [Rogersville] again Monday, and, you know, that’s got its advantages and its disadvantages; you get to see them but they get to see you too,” said Wubbena. “Either way, we’re going to have to play our best if we want to beat them in districts.”
Rogersville owned the first half with sophomore Tucker Brown scoring two beautiful goals, including one that he headed in off a cross from teammate Ty Stevens in the 29th minute. Brown currently the school record for most goals in a season with 37.
Brown was in the right place at the right time to score his second goal in the 36th minute. His teammate, senior Gage Viebrock, maneuvered his way past the Republic defense to have the ball knocked away from his feet by Republic’s goalie, Joel Adams. Adams, though, had come out too far and Brown charged in to hammer the ball into the back of the open goal.
“I was at the 18 and I saw my teammate go and take his shot, then they had an open goal and I was right there to put it in,” said Brown about his second goal.
Republic picked up the pace for the second half, bringing more offensive plays down to the Rogersville goal. The Tigers were awarded a penalty kick in the 50th minute but their kicker, Cooper Kelley, was unable to get the ball past Rogersville keeper Derek Louderbaugh, who blocked the shot.
Shortly after the penalty kick, with the Rogersville defense shaken up from several close calls, Republic’s Hugo Donjuan managed to make a quick break down the left side of the field and get a solid cross off to Mitchell Heinzler.
Heinzler broke past the last Wildcats defender, took a second to set up with the ball, and then nailed it to the back of the net.
Republic tried desperately for the rest of the half to close the one-goal difference; Donjuan had several more breakaway plays, but was unable to convert any into goals.
Republic’s Tanner Peabody also played exceptionally. Peabody, a freshman, gave the Rogersville defense, many of whom were twice his size, a run for their money. Nevertheless, Rogersville tightened up enough late in the second half to keep Peabody and the rest of the Tigers out of the goal.
Rogersville is the No. 2 seed for the Class 2, District 11 tournament, and Republic is the No. 3 seed. The two teams will face-off again on Monday in Republic at 6 p.m.
Rogersville 2, Republic 1
Goals:
First Half
Rogersville—Tucker Brown (assisted by Ty Stevens)
Rogersville—Tucker Brown (unassisted)
Second Half
Republic—Mitchel Heinzler
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