Staff Photo by Matt Hamilton / Ooltewah’s Braeden Haynes (10) jumps over Warren County’s Sawyer Thompson (1)on his way to scoring a goal at Ooltewah High School on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 in Ooltewah.One of the first things that stands out about the Ooltewah soccer team is the size and strength of two of their senior captains on both ends of the field.
Forward Braeden Haynes has posed an incredibly difficult task for defenders this season, which he proved again with a hat trick and an assist in Tuesday’s 7-2 Region 3-AAA semifinals home rout of Warren County.
Versatile center back Connor Moser also brings toughness to the pitch whether winning a ball in the air to clear a dangerous look away or finding space up the field to attack and unleash a powerful shot.
Between Moser and Haynes, the 6-foot soccer stars have combined for 35 goals as Ooltewah (14-1) has outscored its competition an astronomical 62-9 this season. Since a 3-2 loss earlier this season to Cleveland, Rick Adolph’s team has won nine straight in which they have a 42-5 scoring advantage.
“From the front line all the way to the back we have all been playing really well,” said Moser who is signed to play soccer at Shorter University. “We can score a lot of goals and can keep them away. Our midfield keeps the ball moving really well. When we play like we are capable, we can beat any team in Tennessee I think.”