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  • Spartans Close Season with a Tie

    In arguably the most competitive, if not the most suspenseful game of the season, the Athens Academy middle school boys soccer team played to a 3-3 tie against St. Joseph's.

    Playing on the Knights home turf, the Spartans quickly took a 1-0 lead after Lewis Scruggs, aka Luigi, scored off of a rebound of Noah Allen's shot. Lewis' instinct guided him to not give up until the play was over and the ball was in the back of the net.

    The game see-sawed back and forth until Johan (a fellow Athens United teammate to some Spartan players) answered for the Knights to make it 1-1. He almost put St. Joseph's ahead but Weston made a thrilling save as the horn sounded to end the half.

    The Spartans were determined to have a strong start to second half. Within five minutes of each other, Noah bodied the ball in from a Graham Blanks corner and Jack Cook scored on a beautiful strike from around 20 yards out. With a commanding 3-1 lead, the Spartans did not expect a comeback from the home team.

    However, midway through the second half, the Knights scored successive goals to tie the game at 3-3. The first score was off of a volley by Andre (United) and the second slipped through Weston's outstretched hands while he battled to see the ball in the setting sun.

    Neither team was able to capitalize during the final 10 minutes of back and forth attacks. Coach Cook said that perhaps it was best for the game to end in a tie because of the competitive nature of the match amongst friends and fans of the game of soccer.

    The coaches are proud of the boys and their improved play over the year. Way to go, Spartans!
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  • Spartans Edge Lions in Competitive Contest

    After a week off due to school trips, the Spartans were able to shake the rust off and find their form in the last home game of the season.

    Athens Academy was unable to capitalize on numerous corner kicks in the first half and shots on goal were limited. Westminster (WCA) played with more confidence and was much improved since the last contest. The competitive game was knotted 0-0 at halftime.

    The game remained intense, including some impressive saves by Bass Cowles, who subbed in as goal keeper in the second half. Starting GK Weston Rupert moved to left back.

    The deadlock was broken late in the second half after James Williams made some nifty moves to beat the last defenders in the box and knocked the ball in the back of the net. A palpable sigh of relief came over the home crowd and the Spartans' bench.

    The Lions did not retreat and the remaining minutes of the game were intense until Jack Cook broke through and scored far post past an out of position keeper.

    The contest was a welcome back to soccer for the boys after the layoff and provided a nice tune-up for the upcoming rematch against St. Joseph's next Monday. The Spartans have unfinished business to take care of and are viewing their last game like a playoff final.

    Thank you, parents, for your support all season long!
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  • Spartans Win Thriller at Home

    The MS Boys Soccer Spartans won their third consecutive game in thrilling fashion on Monday.

    In one of their best played games of the year, the Spartans put together a counter-attack in the final minute to break the 1-1 tie. James Williams beat the Knights' goalkeeper and shot the ball past the last defender to the delight of the home team and fans.

    James also scored the first goal for the Spartans knocking a deflected header back past the keeper. The game was an intensely competitive one with both teams making the most of set pieces. The first two goals were scored off of corner kicks. Graham Blanks was credited with an assist on James' first goal.

    The boys were exhausted but elated with the hard fought win. They have almost two weeks to recover and prepare before the next contest.

    Two games remain on the Spartans' schedule, inluding a much anticipated rematch at St. Joseph's.

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  • Spartans Rebound against Westminster

    The MS Boys Soccer team rebounded after a tough loss under difficult conditions at Malcom Bridge last week with a 3-1 victory over Westminster Christian Academy.

    The Spartans returned to better form stretching the field and controlling the ball most of the game. Early on in a perfectly executed play, Graham Blanks on the left wing dropped the ball back to Jack Cook at the 18 for a beatiful strike for the first goal of the game.

    WCA scored an own goal before a surprise long distance shot put the Lions back in the contest at 2-1. The rest of game was competitive until Dru Hunt powered a shot through the goalkeeper's legs to seal the victory for the Spartans.

    The boys continue to improve and play together as a team. They have more opportunities to prove themselves with three games scheduled in the next five days, weather permitting.

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  • Spartans Blank Wolverines, 7-0

    In a game where every heathy player received plenty of playing time, the Athens Academy Middle School Boys soccer ream routed Prince Avenue for the second time this season.

    Dru Hunt began the scoring just five minutes in the match, quickly followed by another goal by James Williams to go up 2-0. Jack Cook, who in a show of sportsmanship allowed Miller Chance to take his PK,  had his second hattrick of the year.

    The Spartans worked on their shape (positioning) and possession of the ball in preparation for a rematch with Malcom Bridge on Thursday.

    The team has shown continuous improvement, which will be put to the test against the skilled opponent that handed them a home opener loss. Both coaches believe the boys are up to the challenge.

    Graham Blanks and Chip Scott rounded out the scoring to complete the shutout at 7-0.
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  • Spartans Fall to Oconee Middle, 2-1

    In the first game since spring break, the Spartans fought to the end in a 2-1 loss at Oconee Middle School.

    The Braves, who only had a few shots on goal, capitalized on two scoring chances in the first half to go up 2-0. Athens Academy was playing short-handed with two starters out due to illness or injury. In their place, Owen Lange played left wing and Nicholas Stachura had his first start of the year at midfield.

    Weston Rupert played his usually outstanding game until he injured his kneecap coming off his line to stop a breakaway scoring chance. Rupert, in pain, was forced to leaved the game and would not return. Noah Allen subbed at goalkeeper until Bass Cowles relived him in the second half.

    Down at halftime, Athens Academy did not quit. James Williams, who had been playing center back, came forward to score a much-needed goal, pulling the Spartans within one. Unfortunately, the 25 minute half came to an end too quickly.

    Despite the loss, the coaches lauded the boys for their effort and especially their flexibility in playing unfamiliar positions. "Owen, Nicholas, Noah, James, Bass, and others stepped up when and where they were needed," said Coah Hovater.

    Everyone on the team agreed they were looking forward to the next match.

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  • Spartans Win Big at Home, 5-2

    George Walton Academy scored the first and last goals of the game, but the Spartans dominated everywhere in-between last Thursday night.

    Graham Blanks equalized the score on a penalty kick and the Spartans never looked back, scoring five consecutive goals. Noah Allen, rehabilitating from a serious leg injury and still not 100 percent, had a surge of adrenaline after firing the ball right past the keeper into the back of the net. It was an emotional, first-pumping score.

    The Spartans improved significantly from their home opener and played with more confidence, too. They controlled the game and possessed the ball with more command.

    It was a plus to have Dru Hunt in at the 6 position managing the midfield, which allowed James Williams to play forward and score his second goal of the season. Lewis Scruggs notched his first goal of the year.

    Both coaches were proud of the way the boys played and kept their composure although emotions ran high at times throughout the evening. The relatively inexperienced back line played almost the entire game (again) and continue to improve their skills, teamwork, and communication.

    The final score was 5-2. The Spartans have two more games before spring break, which is the midpoint of the season.


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Schedule

Soccer - Boys - Middle School

Home
League
vs.
Malcom Bridge Middle School
Loss 1-5
Playing Fields - Slaughter Field - 1
Highlights
Home
League
vs.
George Walton Academy
Win 5-2
Playing Fields - Slaughter Field - 1
Directions and Details
Home
League
Playing Fields - Middle School Field - 1
Directions and Details
Away
Cancelled
League
vs.
Clarke Middle School
Clarke Middle School
Directions and Details
Home
League
vs.
Prince Avenue Christian
Win 10-0
Playing Fields - Slaughter Field - 1
Directions and Details
Away
Cancelled
League
vs.
St. Joseph's Catholic School
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Directions and Details
Home
Cancelled
vs.
Clarke Middle School
Playing Fields - Slaughter Field - 1
Directions and Details
Away
vs.
Oconee County Middle School
Loss 1-2
Oconee County Middle School
Directions and Details
Away
League
vs.
Prince Avenue Christian
Win 7-0
Prince Avenue Christian
Directions and Details
Away
League
vs.
Malcom Bridge Middle School
Loss 0-6
Malcom Bridge Middle School
Directions and Details
Away
League
vs.
Westminster Christian Academy
Win 3-1
Westminster Christian Academy
Directions and Details
Away
League
vs.
George Walton Academy
Win 2-0
George Walton Academy
Directions and Details
Away
Cancelled
League
vs.
Clarke Middle School
Clarke Middle School
Directions and Details
Home
League
vs.
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Win 2-1
Playing Fields - Slaughter Field - 1
Highlights
Home
League
vs.
Westminster Christian Academy
Win 2-0
Playing Fields - Slaughter Field - 1
Highlights
Away
League
vs.
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Tie 3-3
St. Joseph's Catholic School
Highlights

Description

  • Soccer - Boys - Middle School

    2015 - 2016
    Head Coach: Russ Hovater

         With one of one of the first school-based soccer programs in the area, Athens Academy enjoys a strong and successful history. The emphasis on fundamental and tactical skill development allows for frequent region/area championships. Coaches are knowledgeable and certified at a level not seen among all area schools.
         So that our athletes receive quality instruction with a realistic opportunity for playing time, the size of teams in some sports is limited. Students "try out" for teams. Although there is no guarantee that a student will be selected for a specific team, the number and variety of offerings provide many opportunities for each player.

Coaches

Statistics

Overall Statistics
W L T %
7 3 1 68.2
League Statistics
W L T %
7 2 1 75

Athens Academy

1281 Spartan Lane
Athens, Georgia 30606
Phone: 706.549.9225
Athens Academy is an independent, co-educational school for students in K3 through 12th grade, located on a beautiful 152-acre campus in Northeast Georgia. For over 50 years, Athens Academy has pursued its mission of Excellence with Honor through academics, athletics, fine arts, and service and leadership.