Alpena wins gritty battle on Senior Night
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ALPENA - Alpena held on for a 2-1 boys soccer win over Cadillac on senior night Thursday at Wildcat Stadium, answering an early deficit and protecting the lead the rest of the way.
Cadillac scored midway through the first half to take the lead. Parker Kaiser tied it shortly after on an assist from Joe LaCross, and the teams went to halftime even at 1-1.
Jackson Birmingham converted a penalty kick early in the second half to put the Wildcats ahead for good. Goalkeeper Jayden Crandall finished with five saves.
"Great for the boys to get a win on senior night," Alpena coach Ken Dragiewicz said. "I've coached many of these seniors since elementary school, and I'm so proud of not only the players they have become but of the young men they are."
The win came with the postseason approaching. Alpena is scheduled to open the MHSAA playoffs Oct. 20 at Petoskey.
"This team has progressed all season, and with the playoffs a little over a week away, I'm excited to see what these boys can do in the postseason," Dragiewicz said.
Wildcat soccer seniors: 9 - Jackson Natzel, 10 - Joe LaCross, 7 - Bryson Collegnon 14 - Jacob Krey, 12 - Reed Leeck, 5 - Mason Burns, 8 - Jackson Birmingham, 17 - Sam Bastow.