Howard’s high school boys’ soccer program, now in its fourth full year, keeps racking up firsts. The Hustlin’ Tigers won their first district title in 2017 and followed that up with the 8-AA championship this year and now will play for a region title for the first time.
“I had people today trying to stop my soccer program,” Howard coach Curtis Warner said after a 4-1 win Tuesday night against visiting McMinn Central. “I didn’t have my full starting lineup and had guys step in and step up, including a goalkeeper who hadn’t played a varsity game. His first varsity appearance was in the region.
“I could not be more proud of these young men for dealing with adversity on and off the field. They surpassed anything I’ve ever asked. We had guys come in 15 minutes before the game because they were at work, and some will go back to work right now. That’s commitment.
“Sweat, tears and commitment is what I see when I look at these guys. They never quit.”
An uneasy start did not deter the Tigers (12-3-3) from reaching the Region 4-AA final, as they put forth an offensive barrage led by Neyder Gonzalez-Galvez, who netted a first-half hat trick.