Original Article on Henderson Daily News Website

SOCCER: Lions take control of playoff destiny; Lady Lions fall at Pine Tree

By HUGHES ELLIS The Daily News Henderson took firm control of its playoff life at Lion Stadium Tuesday, knocking off Pine Tree 3-1 to close the first round of District 17-4A play all alone in second place.

"This was a big win for us," Lions senior goalkeeper Jarrett Davis said, "as it kind of sets us up for the rest of the season. We hold our own destiny."

Samuel Arellano recorded a hat trick with three goals - his second such feat of the season - to finish off the Pirates, who after last year's trip to the state tournament now sit in third behind unbeaten Nacogdoches (13-0-1, 6-0-1) and Henderson (8-3-8, 5-1-1).

The Lions can take another step towards their first postseason trip since 2003 with a win at home Friday against fourth-place Kilgore.

Henderson started out sluggish against the Pirates. But Davis was there to continually keep the Lions in the game thanks to his play betwen the pipes.

Henderson head coach Steve Propes said the TAKS test, which is being administered to HHS students this week and allowed seniors to have Tuesday off, might've contributed to the slow start.

"We came out a little flat for the first few minutes, and some of our touches were off," said Propes. "But the guys never stopped working and I think that was the key to winning the game. I am blessed with some great young men to work with."

After 71 scoreless minutes of play, Arellano got the scoring started when he beat PT goalie Dillon Oram at the nine-minute mark of the second half. Turner Vinson converted his own steal into a pass to Arellano for the go-ahead goal.

Less than two minutes later, Arellano claimed a solo score when he picked off Pirate Jesse Reynolds at midfield, raced the distance and beat Oram one-on-one.

Pine Tree cut the lead with a free kick goal and later got a chance to tie the game. But Ryan Darr's goal from 25 yards out was gathered in by Davis.

Davis then booted the ball out to midfield, where Arellano headed it over a Pirate defender, gained his composure, raced between two other defenders and put a 12-yard missile by Oram.

"It felt good to get the hat trick," said Arellano. "I was patient and waited for the right time to finish my shots. I just stayed calm."

The Lions junior varsity took home a 2-2 tie with Pine Tree in the first game of the evening.

Israel Hinojosa scored the first goal for the Lions off an assist from Dillon Orr.

The second goal came off the foot of Martin Morales with Hinojosa on the assist.

The tie leaves Henderson's season mark at 7-4-1.

Lady Pirates 3, Lady Lions 1

LONGVIEW - Pine Tree built a 3-0 lead early in the second half and went on to beat Henderson 3-1 in a clash of the top two teams in District 17-4A girls' soccer at Pine Tree Stadium Tuesday.

Whitney Gill scored the Lady Lions' lone goal with nine minutes remaining in the second half.

Pine Tree improved to 5-0 in loop play, while Henderson dropped to 4-1, snapping a four-game winning streak.

HHS hosts Kilgore Friday.

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