Bobcats win 2 to open conference

By Scott Loftis

SLoftis@CarrollCoNews.com

Conference play couldn’t have started any better for the Berryville High School boys soccer team.

The Bobcats won their first two 4A West games of the season last week, winning 3-1 at Gentry on Wednesday, April 5, and 8-0 the next night at home against Gentry.

David Tapia scored goals in each game for the Bobcats, while Jesus Monroy also scored twice against Prairie Grove.

Berryville coach Grant Hutson said the Bobcats took awhile to get accustomed to Gentry’s natural- grass field.

“It was 2-0 at half,” Hutson said. “We gave up a penalty kick late in the second half. We didn’t play our best. We’re used to playing on a turf field. It was our first game on a grass field and it kind of messed with the kids a little bit. They’re not used to playing in different conditions, but I’m glad we were able to because we’re going to have some games like that this year.”

The Bobcats were sharper against Prairie Grove, leading 8-0 at halftime.

“The kids needed it,” Hutson said.

Berryville has just one game this week, but it’s a big one, at home Friday night against Dardanelle. The Sand Lizards (8-2, 1-0) are a perennial conference power, and Hutson said Friday’s game could have a big impact on the conference race.

“That’s a big one for both teams,” Hutson said. “We’ve got a lot of confidence going into our tougher matchups. So we’re really, really looking forward to playing a competitive team in our conference that could contend for a state title to see where we’re at.”

Berryville’s girls lost to Gentry 4-1 and to Prairie Grove 8-1. Carla Cruz had the Lady Bobcats’ goal against Gentry while Dairy Ochoa scored in the loss to Prairie Grove.

Berryville’s girls will play Shiloh Christian in Springdale on Tuesday before hosting Dardanelle on Friday.