Grissom 3, Gadsden City 2: Tigers earn victory in first area game
Grissom edged the Titans 3-2 at Gadsden City High School in their first area game. Area 7 consists of Grissom, Huntsville, Gadsden City, and Sparkman, and the top two teams advance to the play-offs. Aiden Cleary scored first in the twelfth minute from the left side of the box, but the Titans were able to even the score 8 minutes later. The first half ended in the 1-1 tie. Grissom increased the pressure to start the second half and earned a corner five minute in. James Balogun headed the Ben Smith cross into the net for a 2-1 lead. Once again, the Titan's answered in short order. A Gadsden shot bounced off the foot of goalie Kai Snodgrass and landed in front of the goal. The opportunistic Titans beat Grissom to the ball and knocked it in. Ben Smith broke the tie in the 21st minute when he drew a penalty kick and then fooled the Titan keeper. Gadsden pressured Grissom to the end, but the horn sounded with the 3-2 Grissom lead. Grissom had 17 shots with 7 on goal and 5 corners. Gadsden took 12 shots with 8 on target. They did not take any corners. The game started at 5:00 to accommodate the officials, with temperatures well below freezing.