HS Boys Soccer: Beckley dominates Raleigh County Derby

Flying Eagles scores seven times and records a clean sheet to roll past Shady Spring

Woodrow Wilson was a heavy favorite entering the boys version of the Raleigh County Derby Thursday night at Paul Cline Stadium.

The Flying Eagles promptly strolled out on the pitch and proved why.

Aided by a four goal explosion in the first half, Woodrow Wilson blanked Shady Spring 7-0.

Both teams entered the match undefeated, but Shady Spring head Josiah Smith knew his team faced a huge uphill battle against the Class AAA defending state champions.

"It is so good for our boys to see soccer at that level and to have to deal with the adversity that a team like Woodrow gives our squad," Smith said. "It's hard, but it is so good for the progress that we are trying to make as a team to see soccer at that quality."

Instead of packing it in and playing a defensive game, Smith elected to go toe-to-toe with Woodrow Wilson.

"I wanted our boys to have the freedom to go out and succeed tonight. I think the risk of that is your are under so much pressure. They have so much quality and they move the ball so quickly that they exploited that so easily," Smith said. "I talked to the boys about that decision. I want them to have the freedom to go and play the gave freely and not feel like we have to bunker in. That is the smart way to play, but I wanted them to have the freedom to have a go at it."

Coby Dillon led the Flying Eagles with a hat trick and Ali Farghaly scored two goals. Jonathan Scott and Jackson Schroder both had one goal each.

Although his team suffered its first setback of the season, Smith has been pleased with the progress for the Tigers who came into the match outscoring opponents 39-1.

"I love these boys. I am so proud of them. I feel like they are progressing significantly," Smith said. "There is room to grow on all fronts. But, I see the effort that they are showing up with everyday to train and the desire to work together. They are becoming a really quality team. I like the trajectory, but we have a tough road."

Woodrow Wilson is back in action Saturday afternoon when it hosts Bridgeport, while Shady Spring will host regional rival PikeView Tuesday evening at H.B. Thomas Field.

Flying Eagles head coach Steve Laraba talked about the win Thursday night.