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DCHS loses to Loudon
Cristobal Flores w soccer for bottom front
Duane Sherrill photo Cristibol Flores lines up for one of the few shots taken during the defense-dominated district championship game last week in which Upperman got the upper hand on the Tigers, sending them on the road for the first round of the regional tournament. The top-ranked Tigers' season ended in Loudon last week when they were beaten 4-3. Flores was named most valuable player for the district after his team went 13-3 overall and attained the state's top rank following an undefeated district campaign.

After being stunned by Upperman, who defeated DeKalb in penalty kicks following a defensive struggle in the district finals here, the Tiger soccer team saw its exceptional season end in regional action as they were defeated 4-3 by Loudon. The former number-one  team in the state swept out in the first round.

The road loss in the first round of the regional tournament ended the Tiger season at 13-3 after a perfect 8-0 regular season district record that saw them ranked as the state’s top AA team. However, less than a week after achieving the top spot the Tigers were stunned by the Upperman Bees in the finals of the district tournament held here. The Tigers had soundly thrashed the Bees during the regular season beating them 5-1 and 6-1.

History would not hold true to form in the district finals as the teams played to a 0-0 tie even after 30 minutes of extra time. The game and district were decided on penalty kicks, Upperman winning 5-4 to claim the district title.

With the win, Upperman ended up hosting a first round game but lost to Kingsport, 2-1. Meanwhile, after beating DeKalb, Loudon went on a tear, beating Kingston 2-0 and Sequoyah 4-2, leaving them in the state finals for AA last night.

The season saw DeKalb outscore its opponents 54-20, holding five opponents to no goals. Its only loss prior to the tournament was a 3-1 preseason match against King’s Academy at the Smoky Mountain Cup at Rocky Top back in March.

The team also saw Cristobal Flores named Most Valuable player for the district and Jasper Kleparek named Rookie of the Year.