The Durango High School boys soccer team scored early and often Thursday against Aztec to net an 11-1 victory.
Sophomore Sam Persing got the attack going with a goal just 22 seconds into the game.
“I had a bit of fortune for sure, but in the box, anything can happen so it’s important to stay on your toes and when you get a moment, make it count,” Persing said.
Persing later scored on a penalty kick after getting tripped up from behind in the goal box. He capitalized with a goal in the upper corner of the net. Then, 28 seconds into the second half, he scored again to get his first hat trick in high school and put DHS up, 7-1.
“It feels good, especially in front of the home crowd under the lights,” Persing said. “It’s special; these are the nights you remember.”
Niko Korte also scored a pair of goals in the first half, dribbling through Aztec’s defense for one and then scoring from about 25 yards out with players surrounding him for the second.
Cedar Newman blasted a shot into the upper left corner of the net and Boden Devaux kicked one it that put Durango up, 6-0.
Aztec, however, got on the board with a goal 6 seconds before halftime.
“I was disappointed we let in a goal,” said DHS head coach Aaron Champenoy. “In the second half, I thought we were more disciplined.”
After the break, DHS only needed 20 minutes and 31 seconds to add five goals and enact the mercy rule.
Zak Wentworth scored less than two minutes after Persing to start the half.
Lucas Foster and Charlie Gleason scored goals to make the score 10-1.
Then Wynn Hammond capitalized on a nice pass in on a corner kick, burying the shot for his first high school goal to end the contest early.
The Demons also rested some players, but others stepped up.
“We sat seven varsity guys to make sure they get healthy for Grand Junction, so we had multiple guys getting chances on the field,” Champenoy said.
Durango (6-0-1, 1-0 Southwestern League) will play at Grand Junction (2-3, 0-0) at 1 p.m. on Saturday in a league match.
“We’re definitely using tonight to get us mentally and physically prepared,” Persing said. “Hopefully this year we can bring the intensity and get the result we need.”
“We’ve got to stay humble and keep working hard,” Champenoy said.
colivas@durangoherald.com
