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Riverview defeats Dawson
RMS v DCMS Boys Soccer pic
Nick Murphy from Dawson County Middle tries to keep the ball away from Riverview defender Jason Steele. In an intense game the Eagles prevailed 4-1. - photo by Pam Jacobs Dawson Communtiy News

The Riverview Middle School boys soccer team defeated Dawson County Middle, 4-1, last week.

Coach Patrick Johnston's team followed Thursday's win with a 9-0 thrashing of Jasper Middle on Friday.

With the two wins, the Eagles will go into the Mountain League tournament as the No. 1 seed.

The championship game will be played on Thursday.

Riverview got on the scoreboard first against the Tigers last week. Eagle Tyler Lawson scored on a rebound of his own penalty kick to put Riverview up 1-0.

The conditions were horrible on Thursday with strong winds and temperatures dropping into the 40s.

Tempers were high between the two neighboring schools. Just before halftime both teams lost a player to a red card. The game was physical and aggressive throughout.

Coach Frank Brown's Tiger team came out strong to begin the second half and tied the score at 1-1.

Riverview rebounded with two goals by seventh grader Carlos Duarte and a goal by Anjani Diaz to get the win.

"Anjani is our leading scorer this season," Johnston said. "I thought we had a great game from Cole Dennis in midfield controlling and distributing. Cole had two assists in the game. Defensively, Timothy Moody, Patrick Moody, Jacob Poston and Jason Steele all had solid performances."

Brown said he was proud of both teams.

"Congratulations to Riverview and Coach Johnston. They have a great team over there. Our guys were out matched in the second half," he said.

"I'm proud of our guys and the way we have played the second half of the season. They have something to build on, our guys believe they can play with any team out there."

Johnston said he was proud of his group for more than just picking up a win on the scoreboard.

"This is a special group of boys. They started off the season with a funeral for their beloved soccer coach, Phil Branson. They've wanted to honor him all season long, with a moment of silence before each game, by painting orange ribbons on the field, and putting them on our team sweatshirts," Johnston said.

The team has adjusted to Johnston's coaching style.

"They are understanding the importance of leadership on and off the field, accepting consequences and turning into young men," he said.