Senior Eric Ball, goalkeeper Lincoln Combs play starring role in 2-0 victory
Bristol Herald Courier | Tim Hayes | Photo Credit: Emily Ball
EMORY, Va. – The Honaker Tigers have just two victories to their name and a roster that has dwindled to 10 available players.
Yet, somehow, someway they have once again booked their reservation for the VHSL Class 1 state boys soccer tournament.
Receiving a pair of goals via senior stalwart Eric Ball and a herculean effort from junior goalkeeper Lincoln Combs, Honaker posted a 2-0 victory over the Patrick Henry Rebels on Friday in the semifinals of the Region 1D tourney at the Food City Sports Complex.
The Tigers (2-12-1) face Holston (9-4-2) on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the tournament title match and secured a state tournament berth for the eighth consecutive season.
Nobody saw that coming.
Honaker’s chances appeared slim as the Tigers played a man down, but they were relentless for 80 minutes in a performance that was beyond gutsy.
How the heck did Honaker pull that out?
“I truly don’t know,” said veteran Tigers coach Wilburn Johnson. “They played with a lot of heart. That’s the biggest thing I can say.”