Wednesday’s Report – Chiefs Get Another Come From Behind Win

Kickapoo Chiefs – 3
Rolla Bulldogs – 2
For the second time this week, the Chiefs fought back from an early deficit to earn the win over a tough Conference opponent. After giving up a goal to the Falcon’s on Tuesday 11 seconds into the game, the Chief’s saw the Rolla Bulldogs take the lead in the 8th minute on a goal by Kyle Keebey. And for the second time, it was the Chief’s senior leaders who shouldered the responsibility in driving the comeback on Senior Night.

The Bulldogs kept the Chief’s on their heels for much of the first 20 minutes this evening but this team, with a pair of freshman, a pair of sophomores and three juniors working closely the 4 seniors, have discovered a well of self-confidence and resilience since their coming out party at the Kickapoo Shootout. Senior Ian Kennedy provided the first spark, after the Chiefs confidently moved the ball the length of the field. Picking up a poor clearance, Kennedy made a run across half the width of the field from left to right, before sending his shot back towards the left upright to tie the game in the 21st minute. The match remained 1-1 at half time.

The Chief’s are not invincible and when in the 54th minute the Bulldog’s drew a foul 35 yards out, junior Jason Howard’s direct kick somehow bounced in the box and through the defense and into the net. Placed into play and with a result any coach, or fan, can appreciate. Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the Chief’s attack is active and relentless, much like their spark plug up top, Skyler Russell. A lightning rod for opponents, refs and on this evening, at least one Rolla adult fan who apparently felt his admission fee included taunting 17 year olds, the senior shrugged them all off and drew a foul shortly after the restart. The resulting direct kick was well defended but Russell’s quick restart on the corner kick found Dane Ruggeri unmarked. His header deflected off a defender and past the keeper in the 55th minute.

Dane Ruggeri gets the game winner in the 55th, again from a corner kick, 3-2 Kickapoo

Both teams came close again before time expired but once again the Chief’s defense held, this time as senior Sean Marren rose in the middle of the pack to clear one last effort by the Bulldogs, much as Nate Lavoy had done against the Falcon’s on Tuesday.

Jake Nedoma scores with a simple redirect from a corner kick to the near post, 2-1 Kickapoo

The Chief’s claim 3rd in the Ozark Conference and move to the District 11 playoffs with the momentum and a first round bye along with the Falcon’s. Expect more fireworks in Ozark next week when the playoffs begin.

Camdenton Lakers – 4
Lebanon Yellowjackets – 0
Goals by Jeff Dorhauer, Jeron Sinclair (2) and Blake Barbour move the Laker’s to 8-0 in the Ozark Conference as they pursue an undefeated Conference season. Thursday’s game against Hillcrest is all that remains.

West Plains Zizzers – 0
Ozark Tigers – 3
Goals by Landon Hunter, Seth Hampton, and Andrew Vanhoesen

Nixa Eagles – 3
Branson Pirates – 2

Willard Tigers -
Hillcrest Hornets -

Rockwood Summit -
Washington Bears -