By Jamie Wachter / executive sports editor
With time running down and Clarkdale's Micah Redmond preparing for a penalty kick, West Lauderdale coach Bryan Miley was more than just a little nervous.
The Knights' freshman keeper Scott Gray made the save, though, to preserve the scoreless tie and and the Lauderdale County Schools Tournament title for West at Northeast Park.
"Our goalie's young, he's only a ninth-grader and I was scared," Miley said. "We were absolutely terrified, but he did a great job."
West had previously downed Northeast Lauderdale 1-0 and Southeast Lauderdale 5-0 in capturing the crown.
Gray's save was just the last of a handful of close calls for the Knights against Clarkdale. The Bulldogs controlled play throughout, but was unable to capitalize on a handful of opportunities.
"We're solid back there," Miley said, noting Joey Lawn, David Lott and A.J. McClinton for their defensive work in front of Gray. "I couldn't ask more of those guys. They're aggressive when they need to be aggressive, and at times, a little bit too much. But I couldn't ask for more than what I've got."
In the first half, Gray came up with a save on a Mason Tabb shot and then with play staying in the Clarkdale end, Lawn was later able to clear away a Clarkdale corner kick. Redmond was also wide right on a first-half attempt.
The second half included more of the same as Clarkdale controlled play, but was unable to convert as Redmond again fired wide right before Lott's sliding attempt at a stop.
Then following a penalty on West's Alex Malvaez late, Redmond's penalty kick was stuffed by Gray, who then covered the rebound right before the charging Redmond arrived in front of the net.
"It was who wanted it more," Miley said. "Nobody's on fresh legs. We're all tired. The guys, they deserve all the credit."
In other games, the Knights got a goal from Tyler Germany off an Alex Young assist to down Northeast 1-0.
Germany continued his scoring onslaught with a hat trick in a 5-0 win against Southeast. He also assisted on a goal. Lyle Daughtery and Dylan Shirley both added goals and Young had two assists.
The Trojans received goals from Matt Kiefer and Austin Bize, with assists from James Cranmore and Cameron Maxwell in a 2-2 tie against Clarkdale.
Northeast and Southeast would also tie, 0-0, in the last game of the day. The Tigers also lost 5-0 to Clarkdale.
