The Lebanon High School boys soccer team cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Laquey Hornets at ‘Jacket Stadium on Monday night, giving head coach Matt Jernigan his 100th career win with the program.
Senior Jeremiah Rivera opened the scoring 31 minutes into the first half with a perfectly placed corner kick that senior Will Hodges headed in, putting the Yellowjackets ahead. Just six minutes later, Hodges struck again, this time converting a long throw-in from Noah Anderson, giving Lebanon a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The Yellowjackets’ defense shined as well. Senior goalkeeper Chris Kilburn made a diving save on a penalty kick midway through the first half, keeping Laquey off the scoreboard and maintaining Lebanon’s momentum.
Sophomore Trent Penner extended the lead late in the first half with a left-footed strike that soared past the Hornets’ goalkeeper, giving Lebanon a 3-0 advantage going into halftime.
Laquey managed to score early in the second half, but Lebanon responded with two more goals. Anderson scored on a left-footed shot, while junior Curtis Frazier capped the night with a stunning goal from beyond the 18-yard box.
Frazier’s shot, described by Jernigan as “possibly the goal of the year,” found the top corner of the net, sealing the 5-1 win for Lebanon.
Coach Jernigan reflected on both the game and his milestone victory, praising his team’s effort and offensive cohesion.
“I thought our boys played really well last night. We were very aggressive to the ball and were winning the 50/50 balls,” Jernigan said. “Will Hodges had a great night scoring two goals, and Curtis Frazier hit an unbelievable shot from about 30 yards out.”
Jernigan also took a moment to reflect on his 100th win with the boys team and his career accomplishments.
“Milestone wins make me think back to all the players I’ve had the privilege to coach,” Jernigan said. “The older I get, the more I realize that wins and losses will come and go, but seeing players come back and share their life successes is what it’s all about.”
