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David Leonard scores two goals as Smoky Mountain nips Tuscola
SMHS's Jose Vives Photo by Carey Phillips

Smoky Mountain's Jose Vives (23) battles a Tuscola player for possession in last week's soccer game. The Mustangs took an important 3-1 victory to remain in contention for a spot in the state playoffs.

David Leonard had a pair of goals helping Smoky Mountain to a 3-1 Western Athletic Conference soccer victory over Tuscola on Oct. 18 at Carr Hooper Stadium/Babe Howell Field.

"We're ecstatic over the win," Coach Dolphus Brown said. "We needed to win to stay in contention for the playoffs. Both teams were peaking so we were going to see who was peaking the most."

The coach said crisp passing set up Leonard's first goal at the 22:15 mark although there was no assist.

"David collected, dribbled a couple of times and shot it past the keeper from about 17 yards," Brown said.

The Mountaineers drew even at the 35-minute mark when Stephen Brown kicked the ball high from about 25 yards out, and it floated over the head of the keeper.

Leonard put SM up 2-1 at the 35-minute mark. The ball was knocked around after a throw-in before Leonard gained control and banged it in.

The Mustangs picked up an insurance goal with just 48 seconds remaining on a free kick by Cory Carpenter from 25 yards out following a hand ball violation against Tuscola.

"He shot it in the upper left corner," the coach said. "There was no way the keeper could stop it."

The game was played on even terms with SM taking 14 shots while the Mounties had 13. Will Peoples made 11 saves for the Mustangs, and Tuscola's Justin Scarbrough recorded seven.

"Will played an excellent game," the coach said. "He misplayed the one goal, but he made some critical saves."

Brown praised Matt Taylor for playing despite injuries to his knee and elbow.

"He just really stepped up and played one of the most courageous games I've seen in a long time," the coach said. "He showed a lot of guts."

Others Brown singled out included Carpenter, Leonard, Nick McDonald and Silas Webb.

The Mustang JVs overcame a 2-1 halftime deficit to win 5-3. Eric McManus scored four of the goals while Eric Neff had one goal and one assist. David White added an assist.

"It was a hard-fought game," Coach Chris Griffin said. "Their goals came because of mental letdowns although it wasn't one person's fault. We've been more of a second half team throughout the year. They came back and never gave up."

Back to Sports: 10/26/00.