Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- Alcovy's Uriel D'Andrade was on his mark scoring three goals in the Tigers' 6-2 win over Locust Grove on Thursday.

The win makes Alcovy 2-0 on the season and one game away from tying its win record from last season.

"We're a different team from last year. We went to camp this summer as a team and really came together. We started working on important things such as touch. Last year I could make the excuse we were a young team. But we're not a young team anymore," said Alcovy head coach Chris Edgar. "My most dominant players are juniors but I've also got four freshmen that have made the squad."

The Tigers' front line set the tone offensively with 36 shots on goal while keeping Locust Grove's attempts to only one shot that forced keeper Stephen Aycox to work to save the goal.

"They didn't have a lot of pressure on us and I feel badly for Stephen because Shawn (Trowbridge) had a great game and was under pressure Monday. He really didn't get a chance to show what he could do," said Edgar.

Locust Grove scored first, taking advantage of an Alcovy mental mistake. But Tyrik Francis, with an assist by D'Andrade, quickly tied the game. Francis returned the favor, passing the ball to D'Andrade for his first goal, giving the Tigers the lead.

D'Andrade scored twice inside the final five minutes of the first half, ending his night.

"He got mad because I took him out. He's such a competitor and does things with the ball," said Edgar of D'Andrade. "He's unselfish and passes the ball, but he's got a great shot and a great finish.

"I told my guys that when you play unselfish good things happen. You should reward your teammates and set them up. The goals will come if you play unselfish. They're starting to buy into that which is good."

The Tigers added their final goal of the night seven minutes in the second half off a John Stallsworth kick.

Locust Grove's second goal of the game came as a result of another Alcovy mistake in the goal box. However, the Tigers were able to get back on track and keep the opposing team from threatening to score again.

"We're excited about our potential this year. But we have to work hard to make that potential a reality," said Edgar. "We have some team goals that we haven't accomplished at 2-0."