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Baxlee Burton
Photos by Kyle Thornton |
Soccer season ends on high note
By Michael Butler
The 2022 Tallassee High School soccer season was among the best on record. The Tigers went 9-7-1. The program was launched in 2008.
Even more notable is the nature in which the campaign finished - with four straight wins in four days.
"We squeezed them in. That's a lot. That's 320 minutes of soccer," assistant coach Matthew Tarpley said. "Four in a row in four straight nights - that's asking a lot. They really rose to the occasion."
Tallassee beat Elmore County 7-1 on Monday, Marbury 2-1 on Tuesday, Booker T. Washington 10-0 on Wednesday and Alabama Christian 2-1 on Thursday.
"The boys were playing their tails off. I wanted it so bad for them. They've worked so hard since early January."
The win over ACA on Thursday at J. E. "Hot" O'Brien Stadium was Senior Night. Four players are graduating with the 2022 class; Baxlee Burton, Clay Johnson, Caleb Mason and Russell Phillips.
"They've put in a lot of work," Tarpley said of the seniors. "They've been through the lean years, so now they're getting to reap the rewards of all their hard work."
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Senior Night recognition (left to right): Head Coach Keiven Mixson, Russell Phillips, Clay Johnson, Caleb Mason, Baxlee Burton, Assistant Coach Matthew Tarpley
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Tallassee junior Will Blocker broke a school record for goals scored in a season.
"He had an exceptional season," Tarpley said. "Will Blocker scored 28 goals this season. That is a big number. He had nine assists, just a phenomenal year. He's a fantastic student, a really good kid. He's really what we're looking for in a Tallassee soccer player."
Tarpley talked about the outlook down the road with more than 150 kids participating at the youth level.
"That's a great base for future Tigers soccer players. I believe soccer is the fastest growing sport in the nation as far as youth-level players. We want to invest.
"We're looking at growing the program. We're super excited about the future and the direction we're headed. The fans are excited. The players are excited."
Final 2022 Results
Senior Night Photos by Kyle Thornton
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