By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
MOUNTAIN HOME — The Jacksonville Red Devils made the most of their long trip to Mountain Home on Saturday. Allen Kirby scored seven minutes into overtime to lift the Red Devils past the Bombers, 3-2, in 6A-East Conference play. Jacksonville improved to 3-8.
The Lady Devils fell 5-0 to the Mountain Home girls earlier in the day.
Jacksonville led 1-0 after an O.G. (own goal) in the first half when the Mountain Home goalkeeper knocked the ball into his own net. The Red Devils led 2-0 in the second half when Kirby collected the first of his two goals. The Bombers rallied to score two goals over the final 10 minutes of regulation to send the game into overtime.
Red Devils coach Leighton Cannon was not able to attend, giving Lady Red Devils coaches James and Tammy Lennartz double duty for the weekend.
“The boys’ game was phenomenal,” James Lennartz said. “They played with true conviction and heart. You could tell they were hungry for the win. They passed the ball well, and the communication was good. If they play the rest of the season with that much conviction, they should do very well.”
The Lady Red Devils struggled offensively, but junior goalkeeper Megan Sicilia made a number of strong plays defensively on Saturday, Lennartz said, including a difficult save on a penalty kick by the Lady Bombers. Jacksonville fell to 0-8 on the season.
Jacksonville hosted Jonesboro last night after Leader deadlines, and will host Sylvan Hills on Thursday.
