Lady Trojans pick up district win against Dyer County

Dyersburg freshman Haddy Manneh (center) looks for a way through the Dyer County defense during the Lady Trojan win on Monday night in District 13AA action.

Photo/Jason Peevyhouse

By JASON PEEVYHOUSE

Sports Editor

A quartet of early goals from Dyersburg freshman Haddy Manneh set the tone for the Lady Trojans as the black and gold picked up an 8-0 win over visiting Dyer County on Monday night at J.C. Sawyers Stadium.

Dyer County's Lennon Brooks (left) looks to get past Lady Trojan defender Mya Shelton during the Lady Choctaws' loss to Dyersburg on Monday evening.

Photo/Jason Peevyhouse

The win is Dyersburg’s third in four games after a winless start to the season and moves them to 2-0 in District 13AA with two more district games remaining. The loss snaps a four-game win streak by the Lady Choctaws and wraps up district play for them with a 1-3 record.

“In rivalry games, anything can happen,” Dyersburg Head Coach Musa Manneh explained. “These games are always going to be difficult because they’re games within the community. At this point, we may be doing a little bit better than Dyer County, but we respect Dyer County.

“I think about it as if they’re doing well, then soccer in the county is doing well. I respect them.”

Manneh agreed the Lady Choctaws looked improved this season as Dyer County avoided a mercy rule loss to Dyersburg for the first time in two years.

“So, it’s just that when we come up against each other, then it’s competition,” Manneh added. “Glad we got the win, but like I said, I give them credit for their fight and for everything.

“As Dyersburg High School, we respect their program. As competitors, we always want to win. It’s a clean game, it’s a win, and it’s good for us.”

In defeat, Dyer County Head Coach Stephen Goodman could see things he liked from his team and things his Lady Choctaws need to improve as Dyersburg is a team they could see in the district tournament in a few weeks.

“Definitely a better first half than a second half,” Goodman said. “We’ve got a lot to improve on.

“Was expecting better but we’ll take what we get and we’ll look to see them in the district tournament. It gives the girls something to work for – some extra drive. We can make out a different score later.”

Dyersburg struck early, getting a Manneh goal in the fourth minute to take a 1-0 lead.

The freshman striker struck again in the 10th minute as her second goal pushed the Dyersburg lead to 2-0.

Manneh added a third goal to complete the hat trick in the 21st minute.

Dyer County looked to get on the board in the 30th minute but a Lennon Brooks penalty kick sailed high to keep the Lady Choctaws scoreless.

Just a minute later, Manneh added a fourth goal to give the Lady Trojans a 4-0 lead at the half.

Dyersburg added goals from Meredith Zamzow and Avery Coleman in the second half to go along with two Dyer County own goals to take an 8-0 lead and the district victory.

Dyersburg returns to action on Thursday when the Lady Trojans travel to Alamo to take on Crockett County. Meanwhile, Dyer County returns to action on Tuesday when the Lady Choctaws travel to South Fulton at 5:30 p.m.