By TAYLOR TUBBS
News-Sun correspondent
SEBRING - The Thanksgiving turkey and the break from the regular practice schedule proved to not be a factor in the Blue Streak domination over McKeel Academy on Tuesday night at home.
The boys soccer team acquired a decisive victory of 4-1 during their first game back, while simultaneously giving some younger, less experienced members of the team some valuable game time.
"I gave the younger kids a chance to play tonight," said head coach Keith Bowyer."It was obvious when we put in the veterans and amped it up."
Sebring was in control early on when Carl Dassinger had a powerful shot on goal that was received by the McKeel keeper.
The powerhouse forwards of Riley Watson and Brian Dixon also had multiple shots early on.
However, David Magana would deliver the first goal of the night 25 minutes into the game with an assist by Watson.
Jared Lang scored his first goal of the season with a beautiful shot in the final ten minutes of the first half.
McKeel struck back right before the halftime break with a goal, leaving the score 2-1.
In the second half Sebring continued to control the field, but McKeel was still able to take some shots on goal that Brandon Bowyer saved.
"This was Brandon's first time starting in a varsity game," mentioned coach Bowyer."It's good experience for him and he handled it well."
With Bowyer in goal, Sebring's usual keeper, Ethan Smith, got to spend some time on the field in more forward positions.
Damian Foster drove the ball up the field multiple times to set up plays.
Sebring would have no shortage of shots on goal, as Austin Westergom, Jordan Hay, Filemon Chavez, Magana and Watson all made attempts that came up just short.
Finally, with three minutes remaining in the game, Dixon settled the ball and drove it into the goal.
Striking again less than a minute later, Chavez had a solid left-footed kick straight into the net to end the scoring at 4-1.
The Sebring win was even more impressive when considering the statistics.
The Streaks had a total of 37 shots on goal; while McKeel had a mere 7.
"I'm excited about the way the season is going. We're now 4-1 for districts. We just need to focus on beating Auburnable this year," said Bowyer.
The Thanksgiving Break perhaps got the Streaks rested up for the rest of a busy week, as they traveled to Lake Wales on Thursday and face Hardee on the road tonight.
Friday, November 30, 2012 - www.newssun.com/FRI-11-30-12-SebSoccer