Everything went according to plan Friday for the Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk boys and girls soccer teams as they sent their seniors out in style with a pair of River Valley Conference match wins in Wellman over the Bellevue Comets on Senior Night. It was high drama in the opener as the girls grabbed a golden goal win over Bellevue 3-2. Each team matched the other’s two goals in the first half, both Mid-Prairie strikes came from senior Amara Jones. With the score 2-2 at half, momentum swung to the defenses, which dug in and forced a stalemate through the end of regulation and one of two overtime periods. With under three minutes left in the second extra frame, Jones completed her hat trick on a find from fellow senior Kina Miller, her second assist of the night, for the game winner. After the match, Jones and Miller talked about their connection on the golden goal, game winner. Jones said, “I was excited. Truman (Shetler Coach) always tells me to pass it into the goal because I kick the ball too hard but, I was just excited I got that in because it was such a good ball there.”

Miller added, “I was just watching from the center of the field as she shoots and then I see the back of the net move, the ball goes in and I was so happy.  Time slowed down. I’m like ‘Yes!'”

The Golden Hawks manufactured 28 shots, 22 on goal and had six corner kicks. Niva Helmuth was tremendous in goal with 23 saves. With the win, Mid-Prairie ends the regular season at 10-6. They host Central Lee in their regional playoff opener Wednesday.

The boys match didn’t have the drama, but did have the action. The Hawks showed off their firepower, crushing the Comets 6-1. Mid-Prairie put up three goals in each half while running away with the win. Senior Noah Ford had a hat trick to lead the way. Fellow seniors Owen Trimpe, Evan Phillips and junior Tucker Miller also added one goal each. Assists came from Miller and Trimpe. After the match, the Golden Hawk seniors joined KCII sports to break down their highlights. Ford said, “Leading up, it felt special. Saying it’s your last game home, you have to make it worthwhile. This was definitely the best game of my life and I want to carry that on.”

Andrew Stultz said, “I just  always think it’s fun when the sideline is cheering for you and everyone is having a good time.”

Koby Karnes added, “I love it when the fans get into it here. It’s a great atmosphere. We played with very high intensity tonight. We need to keep that up for substate.”

Trimpe elaborated on the crowd, “It gets rowdy. We have a great fan base and they have been there since day one. Traveling two and a half hours away. They are always there. I love our fans. They are probably the best in 2A.”

Joe Hall led the Mid-Prairie defense with six saves. With the win, the Hawks wrap up the regular season at 9-6. They begin the playoffs Monday against Grinnell in Oskaloosa. Friday night the Mid-Prairie girls honored seniors Kina Miller, Amara Jones, Sophia Baker, Paityn Jennings and Allison Bolanos while the boys recognized Owen Trimpe, Noah Ford, Koby Karnes, Ryan Beatty, Evan Phillips and Andrew Stultz.