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By Brian Pitts

Enterprise Record

Davie’s varsity soccer team is slowly but surely improving. It is hanging with Central Piedmont Conference competition, only to continually run out of gas.

Before hosting East Forsyth last week, the War Eagles had chances in several games. In a 3-0 loss to Mt. Tabor, they trailed 1-0 at halftime. In a 5-0 loss to Glenn, it was 0-0 at halftime. In a 3-0 loss to Reagan, it was 1-0 at halftime. In a 5-2 loss to Reynolds, Davie held a 1-0 lead at halftime.

And against visiting East Forsyth on Oct. 10, Davie outshot East 20-9 and Davie had an own goal, which created extra frustration since East (9-3-1, 7-1-1 CPC) slipped away with a 3-1 win.

Davie (2-15 overall, 0-9) is giving people fits. Sadly, it has nothing to show for it.

“The boys are starting to find their groove,” coach Marco Rebollar said. “We’ve been in these games. They keep battling and battling. We’re young and it’s fun to see them progress and getting better throughout the season.”

Davie’s staying power in recent games is a testament to the back line and guys like freshman Alex “Pepsi” Tarbet, junior Will Davis and sophomore goalie Felipe Flores.

“We’ve allowed a fair amount of goals, but my back line fights hard,” Rebollar said. “They’re all over the place. Alex and Will hold the back line down. Without them, things could get out of hand. Felipe is a monster only to be a sophomore.”

One of the most improved players is sophomore right back Zachary Hill.

“He struggled a little at the beginning of the year with game speed and having confidence in himself,” he said. “But in the second half of the season, he’s shown so much growth and potential. We just need him to believe in himself and he’s going to be fun to watch.”

The game was 3-1 at the half, with Davie’s goal coming from Alex DelCarmen.

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Davie’s JV has endured several narrow losses. It fell short 3-1 to East, 3-2 to Glenn and 1-0 to Reynolds. But the JV (1-11-3, 0-7-2) stared down East on Oct. 10, leaving with a 0-0 tie that snapped a seven-game losing streak.

“It’s good to see they’re staying competitive,” Rebollar said. “That’s awesome for the future.”

The tie seemed unlikely since East handled Davie 3-1 in the first meeting. But give credit to defender Jase Orrell, midfielder/forward Bryan Reyes and Isaiah Beaty.

“Jase, Bryan and Isaiah work hard,” Rebollar said. “Isaiah was playing up top at the beginning of the season, and coach (Scott McBain) moved him to the back. He’s accepted that role, playing center back, and he’s doing a good job. I think he’s a big part of why they’re staying in these games. And Bryan is creating opportunities.”