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By Megan Shultz

FRANKLIN

The Rock Lions Soccer season is usually in the spring, however they play some games, if available, in the fall. The Lions were able to challenge the Brunswick Academy Vikings varsity soccer team. Two soccer games were played recently and the Rock Soccer team, led by their senior midfielder Jack Dillon, won both of them.

In the first game, the Vikings caught Rock off guard when Jones, a Brunswick forward, scored two goals early. Jack Dillon quickly stepped up and fed his brother, D.J., a nice ball in the middle where D.J. put it in the back of the net. With 5 minutes left in the half, D.J. beat the defense and finished low on 6’4” Viking goalkeeper to tie the game 2 to 2 at half.

Coach Danny Dillon said of their first half performance, “We got off to a slow start, they hadn’t played a game together in over a year because of the pandemic. We knew we could play better, however, we were just so excited to be playing and being around the great coaches and players from Brunswick.”

Rock Lions came out on fire and put in six goals in the second half to give Rock an 8-2 victory outcome. Jack Dillon was an assist machine as he gave out four great passes that resulted in finishes. D.J. was a recipient of some of those assists as he finished with four goals. Seth Woodward and Caleb Doering both got in on the scoring action with two goals apiece. Highlight goal was a long throw in from Jack Dillon to the head of Seth Woodward finishing in the upper left corner of the goal.

The second game had the same end result with a final score of Rock Lions 8 and Brunswick Vikings 4. The game was 4-2 at halftime with Rock in the lead. The Lions were led in scoring by Jack Dillon, D.J. and Adam Deaton with two goals each. Cole Butler and Caleb Doering both had a goal as well. Jack and D.J. both had two assists apiece. Jones from Brunswick led the Vikings with two goals.

“We were excited about getting some games in,” said Coach Dillon. “Our Franklin Fire Soccer Club was playing on Saturdays so we knew there may be some schools that were willing to play under these circumstances. Rock Lions soccer program is strong and has been for a while. We have kids that know the game, love one another and put their trust in God. Those combinations will always lead to a successful team. I’m just trying to wrap my head around my oldest son, Jack, being a senior, so proud of him.”

Both teams displayed great sportsmanship and gave the fans some real quality soccer. Parents in attendance were socially distanced and glad to see live sports again.