Dominant start, lots of goals, for Dover’s HVA Soccer Hawks
HARDIN VALLEY --- Hardin Valley Academy’s boys soccer team closed out its stay at the Bearden Invitational with a 6-0 victory over Alcoa Sunday, March 24, at Bearden’s Turner-Allender Field.
The Hawks (6-1) posted a dominant victory over the Tornadoes.
Ben Brophy had a hat trick, scoring a pair of first-half goals. One of his early markers was assisted by Nathan Holbrook.
Despite seeing his side open a 2-0 lead by halftime, Hardin Valley head coach Ray Dover cautioned his side not to let up against Alcoa, a Class A state tourney runner-up in 2023.
“It was 2-0 at halftime and I told the guys that we needed a third goal,” Dover said. “We learned a tough lesson in the preseason against Science Hill.
“We had a 2-0 lead and we didn’t get another one. They got one, and then all of a sudden, we were in a situation where we had to hang on.”
And the Hawks certainly didn’t want a repeat of that performance — and they made sure that it didn’t happen.
After the break, Brophy completed his hat trick. Asher Stimson tallied off an assist from Dane Hammer before Frank Manrod and Ali Tarchane scored after halftime for the Hawks.
Dover said he appreciated the opportunity to play at Turner-Allender Field.
“I’m glad we got to play on Bearden’s field,” he said. “It’s as wide as our field but it’s not as long. You can measure that by cutting off the 18-yard box at Farragut.
“I know that because I’ve done it. I’ve walked it off.”
Hardin Valley opened the Bearden Invitational with a 5-1 victory over Webb School of Knoxville at home Friday night, March 23.
Again, the Hawks had a 2-0 lead at halftime, as Brady Hammer scored off an assist from Dane Hammer, and Marques Powers found the back of the net in the first 40 minutes.
Brophy tallied twice after the break, and one of his markers was assisted by Brady Hammer. Daniel Perez also scored in the second half. Dane Hammer was credited with an assist on that goal.
