The 2025 season has been a roller coaster ride for the Owls Soccer team. This may be the most challenging season they have dealt with in near a decade with the exception of 2020 when they only had one scrimmage before being shut down. The Owls have been plagued with injuries and difficult situations which have led them to the current 0-7-1 record. First, remember that the District play will start this week so that number doesn’t reflect what they can still accomplish. Next, take note that nearly half of this team is Freshman. These young men have skills, the smarts and the drive but it is an adjustment in chemistry for any team to have this kind of shift in balance.
The best thing to know is that while that record might tear a team apart – not this one. There has been growth, support, and a closing of ranks to overcome the adversity. There is work to be done but this team, no this family, is doing that work. The changes in leadership always takes time to settle. Coach Kemp is in his second year at the helm. Coach Alexander is in his first year as an assistant coach for the Owls and Coach Bussell continues to bring support and continuity while the adjustments happen.
The Owls have just returned from their annual trip to Gatlinburg to participate in the Smoky Mountain Cup Tournament. Last year they brought the cup home as Champions but this year they brought home something different. While a cup would have been amazing they may have found something they needed more. These young men learned how resilient they can be, how important it is to stand up when called on, some found courage, some found their break throughs, and we saw a bench that was ready to play and/or to be in the game with support and encouragement. The bench is one of the most important positions on any team. They must be just as involved in the game as those on the pitch. They must be ready in an instant and they are the greatest source of energy for those taking their turn in action. The bench is the team’s heart and this one was pumping.
Senior Owl Keeper James Bunn had to join the bench for the third game of the tournament with an injury. He was just as in the game as the Freshman who filled the net. Oakley Butler saw his first shift ever as the Owls Keeper and did a fantastic job under great pressure. Zane Felice has been trying to find his moment to score since the season started. Game 3 saw not one but two goals from the freshman. The first was from a corner he bent into the net and the second was a long shot from outside the box assisted by Freshman Owl Lucas Brown. Every person on this squad had moments of growth, blue collar grit and support for others.
The Smith County Owls Soccer Team hosted York in the first District Match of the season Tuesday night. April 1, 2025. Smith County came away with a big win with a 6-2 victory. Both of York’s goals came from penalty kicks. The Owls started off the first half with a goal from Senior Jarrain Smith less than two minutes into the game. Five minutes later Zane Felice took a corner kick for another Smith County goal. It first appeared to be all Felice but in fact was an own goal thanks to the dragons, however, Felice did get the assist. Four minutes later the ball was being battled over in front of York’s net and York players would give Smith County another goal by kicking it in themselves. With less than 16 minutes left in the half, Aldrin Jimenez would net the Owls’ fourth goal with an assist to Eden Smith. Jimenez would score his second goal with less than a minute on the clock making the score at the half 5-1. The second half would see another PK from York and the final strike would come in the last couple of minutes of the game with a goal from Senior Adyn Elliott assisted by Aldrin Jimenez. Smith County earned their first win of the season and started District play strong.
Originally scheduled to play Cannon County on Thursday April 3, Cannon has foregone it’s season so the next game is Tuesday April 8 at home vs Monterey. Monterey is new to our District this year and should promise to be a great match. Thursday April 10 the Owls will travel to Jackson County to continue their district march.
photos and article submitted by Vivian Schaffers
