With the speed, power and timeliness of the trains that pass by the Redoubt Soccer Complex, East Hamilton High School’s offense continually peppered the Lady Lions’ goal Thursday night in a District 6 A/AA match. When all was said and done, the Lady Hurricanes blanked Red Bank, now 1-3, by a 9-0 total. Eight different players scored for the now 3-1 ‘Canes.

The Lady Lions, playing with only two subs due to a barrage of injuries, maintained their focus and energy to their last breath and although outgunned and outplayed, they were never outhustled.

East Hamilton let it be known early that they were there to play, unleashing their first shot on goal at the 38:39 mark. Just over four and a half minutes later Emiley Saddler, an eighth grade mid-fielder, connected for the Canes first goal. After a series of shots that went both wide and high, East Hamilton coach John Millard told his bench, “They’re not stopping us, we’re stopping ourselves.”

Apparently word got to his team on the field as they began an onslaught on Red Bank keeper Sierra Johnson that saw the score balloon out to 5-0 at the half. Johnson is one of Coach Michael Goza’s walking wounded, playing with a hyper extended knee.

Scoring in that 18 minute span were sophomore mid-fielder Danielle Branham, who hit for two goals; junior forward Sydney Reason and junior defender Andie Proesch.

After the game Coach Millard told his East Hamilton squad, “We played much better tonight. We got a lot of opportunities and we put those opportunities in the net.”

He also commented, “I thought we controlled the game throughout, although I’d like for us not to have tired legs late in the second half.” He also said, “We started the week off rather rough; we were banged up and had a weak outing against Soddy Daisy to start off with. I told the team before tonight’s game that it was going to be interesting to see how a young team like ourselves would respond against a tough opponent in a district contest.”

Red Bank coach Michael Goza responded to a comment about how his team kept their focus by saying, “I am very proud of the girls and how they fought through the injury problems tonight.”

He continued, “This is definitely my year to be beset with injuries. This has not only caused girls to have to play longer stretches without a sub, but I am playing lots of folks out of their normal position.” This is Coach Goza’s third year at Red Bank High after spending six seasons at Red Bank Middle School. He said this gives hom an advantage of sorts because he has worked with many of these girls for several years.

Leading 5-0 the Lady Hurricanes came out to start the second half in much the same way they had ended the first 40 minutes of play. Hamilton’s Branham popped the ball in the net for her hat trick of the night at the 25:25 mark. Freshmen Jordan Kaset and Molly Holder then connected at the 22:15 and 18:30 marks, respectively. The scoring ended on Valerie Ogle’s goal at the 13:35 mark in the contest.

Despite the wide margin of victory for the Canes, it was obvious that both teams were very well coached. Even during the heat of battle, both coaches continued to teach the game to their players – often using game scenarios to make their point.

Other notable players were Red Bank’s freshman Avery Yother, Laila Kaddoura and Rema Mohammed. All three showed moments of exceptional play. The Lady Lions’ back-up keeper, Briana Lewis,came on in relief during the second half and made several good stops in the crease. LaCreasha Crouch also showed great hustle for Red Bank.

For the Lady Hurricanes, others making a mark on the pitch were senior defender Jennifer Fletcher and freshman mid-fielder Molly Holder.

Scoring Wrap-up:
Red Bank 0 – 0 0
E. Ham 5 – 4 9

1st Half:
EHS – Emily Saddler, 34:08
EHS – Danielle Branham, 20:36
EHS – Sydney Reason, 17:20
EHS – Danielle Branham, 14:41
EHS – Yinka Palado, 8:35

2nd Half:
EHS - Branham, 25:25
EHS – Jordan Kaset, 22:15
EHS – Molly Holder, 18:30
EHS – Valerie Ogle, 13:35

Records: EHS 3-1; RB 1-3

(Email Dennis Norwood at sportswriter56@comcast.net; follow him on Twitter at DennisENorwood)