Miles Christian won't change the stigma behind the Bradley Central soccer program by himself, but he is creating a buzz around South Lee Highway in Cleveland for something other than wrestling and basketball.
After a team-leading nine goals as a sophomore, Christian wanted to score 15 as a junior, but he and coach Tucker Blackman have had to adjust that figure after the center midfielder scored eight goals in the team's first two games.
The Bears are 1-0-1 going into their first District 5-AAA contest Thursday at league favorite McMinn County. After two seasons of not making it from their tournament quarterfinals, Bradley has set a goal of the district final this season, with Christian spearheading the attack.
"We feel like we have a good shot," he said. "The competition level isn't as strong as it has been the past couple of years, and we think we can make it."
Christian had a school-record five goals in the Bears' opening 6-6 tie against Sequoyah and followed that with three goals in a 5-3 win over Sequatchie County.
"From the first day of practice, it was highly evident to me that Miles was different," Blackman said. "He was leading the team in sprints; I think it's a confidence from being bigger and stronger. We've had to count on him so much over the past two seasons that he's gained confidence this year, plus he's added speed, strength and he's very calm and composed on the field."
Christian is a two-time all-district and second-team all-region honoree. He's become accustomed to being the center of attention from his midfielder position but has full confidence in his teammates to pick up his slack if needed.
"Most of the time, I'm expected to score goals because of my past, so I've learned to play the ball to my teammates more," he said. "Hopefully that'll give them opportunities for us to score more and help lead us to wins. I know a lot of what we do is centered around me, but I love my teammates and I've put my trust in them."