Bulldog Beatdown

Maclay Boys Varsity Soccer Beat the Suwannee Bulldog’s 3-1 in Their First Game of the Season

Photo by Blair Bayliss/Maclay Andalusian

The Maclay boy’s varsity soccer team hosted the Suwannee Bulldogs in their first home contest on Nov. 8, 2023. After getting off to a rough start, the Maclay Marauders were able to come out with a win which pushed their record to 1-0. 

In the first half of the game, Maclay played strongly. They had lots of shots in the first ten minutes of the game but were unable to put anything away. 

“We had our ups and downs but I think it [the game] went pretty well,” senior captain Tyler Keller said. “I’m hoping we can get more consistent with passing but I think overall the speed of play is the best option.”

Junior Zac Scovotto made a goal during the first half of the game but was called back for offsides. Overall, the team’s defense was strong and Maclay had over double the number of attempted goals than Suwannee in the first half.

“We had some very good moments and we played against a solid team,” head coach Andy Warner said. “They had an outstanding goalkeeper who I think was a difference early on but we created a lot of chances and good moments but overall a solid start.”

The first half of the game ended with a score of 0-0, but right off the bat in the second half, Scovotto made an assist to senior Ellis Strickland who was able to put the ball in the goal scoring the first point of the game. 

“It [scoring the first goal] felt great,” Strickland said. “First goal of the regular season is a great feeling.”

Following Strickland’s goal, Scovotto scored, making the overall score 2-0. Keller assisted the last goal to sophomore Luke Daunt who then led the score 3-0.

“Our team’s showing a lot of potential,” Strickland said. “We definitely could have done better but we can’t expect much for the first game of the season. We have a lot of promise though and I think we can make it to state.”

With two minutes remaining in the game, sophomore Elias Strickland fought hard, but allowed Suwannee to score their first goal, making the overall ending score of the game 3-1.

“We improve by understanding the way we want to play and we’ve got to move the ball better and make better decisions,” Warner said. “We also need to do a better job finishing but I am very pleased and it’s a great group of guys and our mission is state championships.”