JACKSON — Heritage Academy’s boys soccer team saw its season come to a bitter end in Jackson on Thursday, losing 1-0 to East Rankin in the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools Division II state championship game.
The Patriots were in control of the game early, finding space on both wings and working the ball into the box. There were few clear-cut chances, though Max Ledbetter was able to fire off a couple of shots. He was one saved and another blocked in the opening 15 minutes of play.
Ledbetter led the team in scoring with 24 goals in 17 games, including all six playoff goals scored to get to the championship game. He had a few chances to add to that tally on Thursday and even played the creator on a couple. He swapped places with winger McKinley Kilburn to create a chance, but the East Rankin keeper was quick to read the cross and come out to claim the ball.
The Patriots had eight shots in the first half to East Rankin’s one, but they failed to find a way onto the scoreboard.
The flow of the game began to sway a bit more toward East Rankin in the second half, though it was the Patriots who found the back of the net first. Ledbetter’s shot was impeded by the goalkeeper but trickled through toward the back post, where Kaden Avery tapped it in, but the flag went up for offside.
In the final minutes, East Rankin was awarded a free kick. The chipped cross went over the Heritage defense and found an unmarked forward, who scored the only goal of the game with just seven minutes left on the clock.
Heritage’s frustration was clear after failing to convert several chances. They wouldn’t get close again before the final whistle.
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