JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville and rival Palestine exchanged District 35 soccer victories Friday night at Tomato Bowl, with the Fight'n Indians crushing the Wildcats, 4-1, in the opener and the Lady Wildcats getting revenge in the nightcap by logging a 1-0 win over the Jacksonville girls on a penalty kick goal.

The doubleheader was a part of Jacksonville Soccer Association Night, which drew over 250 of the organization's players and coaches to the Tomato Bowl for night filled with fun and excitement.

Players that came dressed in their jerseys, and that were accompanied by their respective coaches, were introduced at halftime of each of the matches.



Boys: Jacksonville 4, Palestine 1

The Indians (10-9, 5-3 District 35-4A) stayed alive in the battle for second place in the loop standings by avenging a 1-0 loss to rival Palestine that took place earlier this season.

The Tribe got on the board at the 32:20 mark of the first half when Cruz Rocha deposited the ball into the back of the net on a kick that came from about 30 yards out and from the right side.

That was all of the scoring in the first segment, but it didn't take Jacksonville long to double the margin in the second half.

Less than six minutes into the final period, Martin Melchor drilled another long ball not the goal, this one covering about 35 yards.

The Indians then added an insurance run when Alberto Escarena scored an unassisted goal from 18 yards out with 26:44 to go in the match.

About seven minutes later, Jose Martinez put one in from about 22 yards to account for Jacksonville's fourth score.

Palestine got their lone goal late in the game as Tribe keeper Octavio Torres had 11 saves on the night.

“We were much more aggressive to the ball this time, than we were when we played them (Palestine) the first time,” Jacksonville head coach Randy Hammontree said. “We were first to the ball a lot (Friday) and that wasn't the case the last time that we played them.”



Girls: Palestine 1, Jacksonville 0

The short handed — Jacksonville was forced to play without the services of two of its premier players, Rachel Stirneman (injury) and Jasmin Rodriquez (illness) — Maidens simply could not get anything going on offense all night.

Defensively, the Maidens got strong efforts from their key defenders, Kennison Chambless, Gentry Hammons and Samantha Sandavol, with the Lady Wildcats' only goal coming on a penalty kick that happened with 9:02 to go in the match after a Maiden shoved a Lady Wildcat down from behind in the box.

Palestine had 20 shots on goal to Jacksonville's six.

The Maidens (7-12-1, 5-3) are off this week for Spring Break, but will return to the pitch at 7 p.m. on Mar. 19 when they visit Lufkin Hudson at 7 p.m. before closing out the regular season at home (Mar. 22) against Center.