CedarBridge Wildcats Defeat Berkeley Panthers
[Written by Anya Thompson]
The 2024 BSSF Under-16 Boys’ Football season kicked off on Monday, October 7 with the CedarBridge Wildcats taking on the Berkeley Panthers Green team in an exciting opening match.
The game began with CedarBridge Academy [CBA] controlling the pace. However, Berkeley’s defense gave the Wildcats all they could handle in the opening minutes, preventing CBA from finding the back of the net. As the game intensified, CBA grew into the match, pressing Berkeley deeper into their own half and dominating possession.
Fans didn’t have to wait much longer, as a corner kick from captain Amir Brangman found the head of the towering Sonai Darrell, putting CBA in the lead. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of CBA.
Nile Armstrong, Nathen Dowling, Lailen Davis, A’Jhi Smith, Sonai Darrell [2 goals], Amir Brangman [Captain], Tai Dickinson-Johnson, Lennox Peets, Amai Harvey, Massiah Leverock, Kenzo Riley, Xion Smith, Nazhi Reid-Anderson, Jaedon Proctor & Shiloh Waite [1 goal]. Photo courtesy of Canaisa Wolfe, S4 student and manager:
The second half started much like the first, with CBA on the front foot. Before long, Sonai Darrell secured his brace, turning his defender from a CBA throw-in, dribbling down the touchline, and slotting the ball past the goalkeeper into the far post. Berkeley didn’t go down without a fight, responding minutes later with a free kick from outside the box that beat the CBA goalkeeper, much to his dismay. Berkeley was back in the match!
With the game at 2-1 and time running out, CBA pushed for another goal. Their relentless pressure paid off when another brilliant pass from captain Brangman found the match MVP, Shiloh Waite, behind Berkeley’s defense. Waite calmly put the ball in the back of the net, securing the win for CBA.
CedarBridge Academy coach Mr. Collin Stewart said, “It was a good result for the first game of the season. The boys played well, and as the season progresses, I am sure they will only get better and gel more as a team.”
Assistant Coach Mr. Jamal Hart added, “This season will be something special. I encourage everyone to come out and support these young players. They’ll not only witness some impressive talent but also see the passion and determination these boys bring to the game.”
