Soccer teams clash in first-ever Jam

Cascade and Webb hosted all the matches and were joined by Boyd Christian, Cannon County, Community, Cornersville, Forrest and Marshall County on a splendid Saturday.

Cascade coach Patricia Petty, who did much of the organization of the Jam, got with some of the District 11-A/AA coaches at a meeting and they wanted some sort of jamboree. In light of the Webb Tournament appearing to near its last leg a year ago, it made sense to get the teams together.

The Viqueens appreciated the experience they got from participating in the Jam. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

One team that thoroughly appreciated participating in the Jam was Community, who is preparing for its first season of high school soccer.

"It's been very beneficial," Viqueen coach Mark Neill said. "The teams we've been playing are a lot more physical than what we've been practicing at as far as contact on the field and everything. It's more aggressive. I think that's been good for the girls to see. It's also showing us how well they pass, how well they turn on the ball. It's really put a spotlight on some of the things we need to work on."

The Viqueens got their first goal from Allyse Reese off an assist from Kristin Simmons in a 3-1 loss to Marshall County. They dropped their fourth and final match 2-0 to Boyd Christian.

Webb coach Adrian Anderson gave a lot of credit to Petty for her hard work and only needed to take care of his side of things at Lagler Field.

Sometimes it's tough for a small private school to build chemistry with such a short amount of time to prepare. The Lady Feet are no exception, and they used their four games to their benefit.

"This is great," Anderson said. "This being a high school team, this is exactly what you need because it gives them a little opportunity to see a bunch of different teams in a short amount of time, get a lot of touches in and ... see different teams with different formations. It works out pretty well."

Katie Jones is a welcomed addition to the Webb lineup. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Webb got goals from Christina Barnes, Katie Jones and Anne Windham in a 3-0 win over Community. Jones scored both goals in the 2-0 victory over Cornersville. Jones continued to thin the twine with two scores in a 2-2 decision versus Forrest. They sent Cannon County home with a 2-0 loss with Jones netting both goals.

Jones, a junior newcomer from Pennsylvania, has already shown consistency and foot skills and should help the Bell Buckle girls tremendously this season.

Anderson was pleased with the way his team played, most notably, how they passed the ball and kept their feet moving.

"We're working on being aggressive, not shying out of tackles and everything; and they've done pretty well at it," he said. "We're always going to be slightly young. But, I've got a good group of juniors and seniors leading the team."

Cascade won their four matches by a combined score of 20-0.

"They played better today than they have been playing, especially the defense," said Petty, who rotated in three different new goalkeepers.

Katie Moulder scored twice in an 8-0 win over Community. Kenzi Tucker, Tiffany McCord, Emily Lewis and Annalise Perry also had goals.

Cascade's Ashley Bledsoe (11) is whistled for a foul for allowing a Forrest defender to take a ride. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge]

In the Lady Champions' 3-0 triumph over Cornersville, Ashley Bledsoe scored twice and Aimee Taylor once.

McCord rang the bell four times to help with the 8-0 victory over Cannon County. Lewis had a hat trick and Bledsoe added a goal.

The final match of the afternoon saw Cascade defeat fierce rival Forrest 1-0 thanks to a goal from Bledsoe. But, Petty knows to take the 'W' with a grain of salt.

"The offense did well," she said. "I needed them to do a lot better in this last game. God knows how many shots we took to win 1-0. I told them we absolutely cannot play like that against them. They're missing their very best player. She's out with a broken leg. She won't have a broken leg in October.

"This doesn't mean anything except a practice against a team that's getting ready just like us."

Angel McBryant, Jolene Peters and Kayla Carden rotated in at keeper for the Lady Champs.