Dominating performance makes history for state title, undefeated season for the Cowboys
April 18, 2016
GEORGETOWN – With a state title on the line, rain clouds hovering over the sky and a tie game at the half, a spark within the Coppell Cowboys came with 30 minutes remaining in the Class 6A state final, and the fire did not burn out until the buzzer sounded for the last time this season.
Coppell took an astounding 6-1 victory over Lake Travis (28-1) that earned it the Class 6A state title and an undefeated season, proving the 2016 Cowboys (24-0-2) soccer team is one with unyielding heart and brotherhood.
“I’m thankful, these guys are an incredible group of not just players but young men,” Coppell coach Chad Rakestraw said. “For them to be able to go out like they did tonight, undefeated with the state title; that’s something that not very many people can do. Just an incredible win, and I’m so grateful.”
The first half ended with the score tied at one, with Coppell scoring first in the 11th minute after a corner kick by junior forward Nick Taylor, headed in by sophomore forward Wyatt Priest. The Cavaliers then scored on a rebound after an outbreak of attacks in front of the goal, tying the match late in the first half.
The skies were cleared and so were the Cowboys’ minds as they entered the second half. Both the Cowboys and the Lake Travis Cavaliers were tenacious on defense from the start, leaving few scoring threats to be made from either side.
“We talked at halftime and we just knew we needed to settle things down,” Rakestraw said.
“We knew we had the advantage to hold them in their own half. When your keeper can punch a punch balls out that are dangerous, it’s just a huge boost of confidence to our team, knowing he’s behind you.”
Coppell High School junior Nick Taylor celebrates his goal to stretch the Coppell lead 4-1 on Saturday night state championship match at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown. The Cowboys defeated Lake Travis, 6-1, in the state championship match, ending their undefeated season with a record of 24-0-2.
However, Coppell was determined to bring home a title for the history books with seniors Andrew Grimmer and Brandon Bohn, who was named MVP of the match, providing a backing for Coppell that allowed Priest, junior midfielder Parker Mcclure and senior midfielder Scott Simigian to be able to fiercely break away from the Cavaliers, scoring three more goals in less than three minutes.
“We’ve always been a team that can put the ball down and attack from the get go,” Priest said. “Being able to help the seniors just means a lot because this is their last game, I’m glad they can leave on a win and a state title.”
Despite having the huge lead, Taylor showed no sign of letting up with a phenomenal goal at the 30-yard line with his left foot bringing the score up 5-1 Coppell. With just 1:47 left in the match, senior forward Tanner Traw delivered another goal after a breakaway for one on one with the Lake Travis keeper.
“I just took my chances, I was so happy for all of us,” Taylor said. He showed signs of brilliance throughout on the attack. “We couldn’t lose focus and take our mind off the game, we still had minutes to go, but going into those last few minutes was such a great feeling.”
The unwavering harmony between the Coppell offense and defense proved their undefeated season was no fluke, and this team is more than worthy of a champion title.