Crockett soccer sweeps Westwood

Crockett goalie Antonio Cruz makes a save in Friday night’s win over Westwood. LARRY LAMB | HCC

CROCKETT -- Crockett varsity boys and girls soccer teams both posted district wins over Palestine Westwood in Friday night matches at Driskell Stadium.

The Bulldogs started the twin bill with a 4-3 win and improved their district record to 2-1.

Crockett led 2-1 at halftime but both teams exchanged goals in the second half.

“It was back-to-back goals and we shouldn’t have even allowed them to score. This should have been a shutout for us,” said Bulldogs coach Natalie Tapia.

With the score tied 3-3, Crockett junior Ryan Arvizu scored the game-winning goal.

The Bulldogs won their District 16-4A opener over Trinity, 8-0, and then fell to state-ranked Palestine, 5-0.

In the night cap, Crockett girls prevailed over Westwood, 2-1, after a tense penalty kick shootout.

Since this was a district match and the score was tied at the end of regulation, a shootout was required.

This was the Lady Bulldogs’ first district win after falling to Palestine (9-0-0), which is ranked No. 2 in the state by Texas Girls Coaches Association. Palestine, which beat Crockett 11-0, has allowed just two goals all season.

Both CHS varsity teams will travel to Diboll on Friday.

Next week, the Lady Bulldogs have a bye Tuesday and will host Livingston on Friday.

The Bulldogs will host Madisonville on Tuesday and travel to Livingston on Friday.

Crockett is also fielding a junior varsity boys team this year. The JV Dogs will also be in action preceding the varsity boys games against Madisonville and Livingston.