(Story by Coach Shannon Grable)
Varsity record: 4-5 overall (2-1 conference)
     Wind, wind go away and don’t come back any other day. Mother Nature decided to try and wreak havoc on the game by making it cold and windy with northerly winds crashing in. This made for difficult conditions to be able to play in as the ball would be forced to one end of the field constantly.
     However, the Chillicothe Boys continued to stay strong and work together to fight back the elements. In what would be considered a true team effort the Hornets knocked off the Kirksville Tigers 1-0 on Saturday afternoon. In front of a welcome crowd of enthusiastic fans, the Hornets held firm and fought through the elements and a tough Kirksville defense. After going against the wind in the first half the Hornets were able to adjust the game plan and put in the game winner with 5 minutes left in regulation. Laine Saunders dropped a free kick inside the Tiger penalty area and Grant Peterson was able to win the battle inside and line a shot to the back of the net.
     The true test for this team was playing together defensively. The Hornets knew going into the match that the wind would play a factor in this game. Deciding to go against the wind in the first half while the legs were fresh, the team defense of the Hornets game through. Fighting off many free kicks, corner kicks and through balls the defense never crumbled. Inspired by the raucous crowd the defense continued to turn back each Kirksville possession.
     A gritty performance by goalkeeper Troy Toedebusch helped to preserve the first shut-out of the season. However, in true team fashion, when Mr. Toedebusch was cautioned with a yellow-card, Jimmy Chapman stepped up big under difficult circumstances. Forced to enter the game staring down a 0-0 game with a free kick just outside the penalty area Mr. Chapman was able to stop the direct shot on goal. Troy came back into the game and put away further free kick advances by the Tigers.
     In the Junior Varsity match the Hornets tied 1-1. Wade Dietz got the equalizer on a wonderful deflection off a through ball from Nate Pryor. The game brings the JV Hornets record to 5-1-1 on the season.