Russell Hedges
rhedges@bossierpress.com
The Benton Tigers won the boys’ division of the Bearkat Classic soccer tournament with a victory over Airline in a penalty-kicks shootout Saturday at a frigid Tinsley Park.
The game ended tied at 1 after regulation and neither team could score in two “golden goal” overtime periods.
Benton goalkeeper Mitchell Matthews, named the tournament’s MVP, made two saves in the shootout and one Airline kick went over the goal.
Edwin Lopez, Ethan Parks and Bailey Grimes made goals for Benton in the shootout.
Airline scored first in regulation off a corner kick. Benton responded in the 19th minute with Parks taking a throw-in ball from Nick Bowers and putting it in the net.
“Bailey Grimes played an unbelievable game at center mid, shutting down Airline’s counterattack game,” Benton coach Bryan George said.
George also cited the play of defenders Edwin Lopez, Ryan Mutchler, JB Mercer and Cole Grimes.
Airline edged Parkway 2-1 and Benton got past Haughton 2-0 in semifinal games.
Dillon Rogers scored two goals for the Tigers. Daniel Valcho and Bailey Grimes had assists.
Rogers had five goals in a 7-0 victory over Haughton in pool play Friday. Bailey Grimes and Edwin Lopez scored one goal each. Parks had two assists, and Valcho had one.
George said Bowers and Will Sanguentii played well on the wings throughout the tournament.
Benton improved to 7-0.
West Ouachita defeated Ouachita 3-1 for the girls’ title.
Haughton won the girls’ junior varsity division, and Caddo Magnet won the boys’.
In the Gator Cup, the Parkway girls defeated Airline 2-1 Saturday before falling to Sulphur 2-0 in the semifinals.
