Jackson wins fifth straight crown

~ The Indians beat Central for the fourth time this season, this time 2-1.

The Jackson girls soccer team had outscored rival Central 9-1 in three meetings this season, but the Indians got all they could handle from the Tigers on Wednesday in a 2-1 win at Poplar Bluff in the championship of the Class 2 District 1 tournament.

The Indians (17-6-2) won the district for the fifth straight year. Jackson will host a sectional game Tuesday.

"That's a conference championship and a district championship this year, and that makes five in a row both ways," Jackson coach Zack Walton said.

Randi Kraust gave the Indians a 1-0 lead 30 minutes into the first half on a volley off a corner kick. Jenni Tenholder recorded the assist.

The Tigers tied the score with 3 minutes remaining in the half. Laura Lusk scored on an assist from Hailey Pilsner.

Jackson picked up the the game-winner off a free kick 15 minutes into the second half. Hannah Kohm scored the goal on a direct kick from about 25 yards away. Central goalie got a piece of the shot but it was able to trickle over the goal line.

Central ended its season 13-7.

"It was a good game," Central coach Tom Doyle said. "It went both ways, both teams had chances to win and chances to lose."