Published: January 17, 2008 02:47 pm      

Palestine soccer starts season not giving up a score

By SALLY SEXTON

H-P Sports Writer



Following last year’s successful season, the Palestine Wildcats have started this season undefeated in the regular season as well as district.

Palestine began district on Tuesday night with a 6-0 romp of Diboll.

Francisco Nunez led the way with four goals, and Saul Mancera and Asa Davidson each had one. Sammy Vargas also had four assists.

Palestine started the season last week in the Pine Tree Tournament. The Wildcats faired well, defeating Pleasant Grove 2-0, Pine Tree 1-0, tying Hallsville 0-0 and beating Nacogdoches 1-0 in the semifinals to get second place after the final round was canceled due to weather.

Four Wildcat players were selected to the All-Tournament team — Prici Zavala, Logan Atkinson, Luiz Rodriguez and Vargas.

“We haven’t given up a goal in our first five games, so I think we’re defensively sound,” Palestine head coach John Absalom said. “We just need to click a little more, but that will come with more games.”

After losing three seniors early in the season, the Wildcats have had to rely on younger players to fill in the spots.

“With three of our starters gone, there’s not a whole lot of depth. We’re not as strong,” Absalom said. “We’ve got to have the younger kids step up.

“It’s a pretty seasoned team, sprinkled with youth.”

Absalom hopes to use this week’s tournament in Kennedale as a bonding experience for the team.

“After last season’s playoff run, the confidence level is at an all-time high for sure,” the Palestine coach said. “Our goal is to win this tournament, and stay focused.

“We want to bond but also have a little fun.”

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Sally Sexton can be reached via e-mail at sports2@palestineherald.com