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Mustangs defeat Eagles as Welch scores three times
SMHS's Josh Hamilton Herald photo by Carey Phillips

Josh Hamilton battles an East Henderson player for control of the ball in Smoky Mountain's 6-0 victory over East Henderson last week.

The speed of Jimmy Welch was the key to him scoring three goals as Smoky Mountain defeated East Henderson 6-0 in a non-conference soccer game Sept. 5 at Carr Hooper Stadium/Babe Howell Field.

"They had a hard time containing our speed," Coach Dolphus Brown said. "Jimmy Welch played a great game. He played with such determination and heart."

Welch, who was moved to an attacking midfielder, scored the first goal six minutes into the contest. It came on a breakaway from about 15 yards out.

Just 30 seconds later, David Leonard made it 2-0. The goal came from 17 yards out after he took a pass from Cory Carpenter on the left side.

The Mustangs led 3-0 at halftime following another breakaway goal by Welch at 32:30.

Welch's speed came into play again in the first minute of the second half. His goal with 50 seconds elapsed made it 4-0.

Barely more than three minutes later, Israel Vargas got free on a breakaway down the left side upping the margin to 5-0.

The final goal came at 60:30 on a header by Silas Webb off Carpenter's corner kick.

"Silas came off the bench to play the greatest I've ever seen him play," Brown said.

The Mustangs had a 17-7 advantage in shots. Will Peoples made seven saves for SM, and Jack Huggins had 10 for the Eagles.

Five Mustangs sustained minor injuries in the game. SM had only two substitutes available when the game ended.

"The depth came through," Brown said. "The bench played well."

Among those singled out were Munene Mwaniki, Chris Tennant and Leonard.

The JVs battled to a 1-1 tie. Wilie Mojica scored for SM.

"We played very hard," Coach Chris Griffin said. "It's a game we should have won. We just didn't finish."

The Mustangs had a 10-3 advantage in shots.

Back to Sports: 09/14/00.