The High School Sports in Mississippi website released its weekly statewide top ten rankings on Jan. 11 for boys and girls soccer in each classification, and both Poplarville teams were represented. The boys were voted fourth overall in the 4A state rankings, while the Lady Hornets were ranked seventh.
The Poplarville boys are currently 10-1, and the girls improved to 9-2 by defeating the Purvis Tornadoes on Friday.
Hornets goalkeeper Austin Carter received individual accolades from MaxPreps.com for his 10 saves in the Hornets’ 6-0 victory over Pearl River Central. MaxPreps and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America selected him as Mississippi’s “Player of the Week” for the week of Dec. 29 to Jan. 4.
In Friday’s contest against Purvis, the Lady Hornets held on to a 2-0 lead to earn their second district victory. The team’s leading goal scorer and captain Mallory Nuccio scored on a penalty kick in the first half to give Poplarville a 1-0 advantage. Freshman Lexey Breerwood capitalized on a deflection to extend the lead to two goals in the second half, and Lady Hornets goalkeeper Kelsey Strahan earned a clean sheet.
If the boys win their next two games, they will clinch their district and earn the highest possible seed heading into the playoffs. A win tomorrow night at home against Greene County will secure a playoff berth. Head Coach Adam Smith said that the Lady Hornets can put themselves in a good position to make the playoffs if they can win this week’s games against Greene County and Northeast Jones.
“We’re going to battle,” Smith said, adding that the Lady Hornets stingy defense will give them a chance in any game.
Both teams will be in action Tuesday, Jan. 16 as Poplarville hosts Greene County at home. On Friday, the two teams will travel to Northeast Jones for an away game.