JOHNSON CITY — Forgive Dobyns-Bennett goalkeeper Ethan Cline for his lack of a voice. He used what left he had celebrating his penalty kick save and helping the Indians win another district championship.
And he’s got the District 1-AAA tournament MVP accolade to prove it.
Cline saved Science Hill’s first shot of Thursday’s penalty kick shootout at Kermit Tipton Stadium. And that helped set the stage for Lucas Park to deliver the game winner.
Dobyns-Bennett won the shootout 4-3, and with it, its third straight District 1-AAA title after playing to a scoreless draw through 100 minutes.
“It was just pure joy,†Cline said after saving the PK. “First thought was ‘thank God,’ second thought was ‘holy cow!’ … I’m ecstatic right now.â€
And probably hoarse too. Cline made two saves during 80 minutes of regulation and two 10-minute frames of extra time.
It’s the ninth straight win for D-B (15-2-2) since a home defeat against the Hilltoppers (10-6-3). The Indians outshot Science Hill 8-6 overall and 4-2 on goal during regulation and two 10-minute overtime periods.
Gavin Farmer took D-B’s first penalty kick, and Tom Faleke answered for the Hilltoppers on the next PK frame. Tied 1-1, D-B made three straight attempts. Andy Salas and Tizi Zaietta both found the back of the net before Park’s game winner.
“Previously there had been some (penalty kicks) that I missed … whenever I got up there and got to the ball, I already had it set in my mind that I’m scoring,†Park said. “I was so locked in. I knew it was going to go in no matter what.â€
Indeed it did. And Cline was the first to run him down and congratulate Park during the postgame celebration.
“You live for these kinds of moments,†Park said.â€
Griffin Lewis had saved four shots for Science Hill prior to the shootout.
Samuel Moody and Nathaniel Brown took Science Hill’s next two PKs, before the fifth try hit the crossbar.
UP NEXT
The teams now look ahead to the Region 1-AAA semifinal round Tuesday. Science Hill travels to Sevier County, while D-B entertains Jefferson County. Tuesday’s winners advance to the Region 1-AAA championship and Class AAA sectional.
