Weaver header, Keener setup seal state trip
The Bulldogs have surrendered just one goal during the playoffs and that was against rival Knoxville West in the District 4-AAA championship match.
But on Saturday, Keener made a crucial offensive play late in a state sectional match.
The play came on a set piece as he booted a free kick 50 yards to set up the game-winning marker in the Bulldogs’ 1-0 victory over Sevier County Saturday afternoon, May 16, which landed Bearden in its eighth consecutive Class AAA state tournament.
Bearden (18-1-3) was awarded a free kick with 1 minute, 47 seconds remaining in regulation after the Smoky Bears were assessed a yellow card. BHS coach Ryan Radcliffe made a decision to let his senior netminder take the free kick.
And it worked.
Kenner made a long kick and Caleb Weaver promptly headed the ball into the back of the net in the 79th minute, propelling the Bulldogs to a victory and a berth in the state tournament, which opened Tuesday, May 12, for Bearden.
The Bulldogs played Cleveland but results were not available at press time. The Bulldogs, however, blanked the Blue Raiders, 4-0, in the Bearden Invitational in March.
“We hadn’t been serving good balls all day,” Radcliffe said. “And Eli’s consistent with his service; and looking at the clock and how much time was left, I thought Eli gave us the best chance to put the ball in a dangerous position.
“And he put it in a great position.”
Weaver said he had confidence Keener would put the ball where it needed to be.
“I knew he was going to serve a great ball,” Weaver said of Keener. “He’s an amazing keeper and all his free kicks are amazing.”
It was Bearden’s third consecutive 1-0 win in the playoffs at Turner-Allender Field.
The Bulldogs blanked Knoxville Halls, 1-0, in the Region 2-AAA Tournament semifinals on Tuesday, May 12, on the strength of a tally by Isaac Martinez.
The Bulldogs won the region title the following night with a 1-0 win over West High as Fadel Hamdin scored the lone marker of that match.
