Steers fall to Mineral Wells Rams in district finale

It was a fight against the elements Tuesday as the Steers continued to push during their senior night game, but it ultimately ended in a 4-3 loss to the Mineral Wells Rams.

While other sports saw cancellations Tuesday, March 4 due to strong winds blowing through the area, soccer was on at home for the Steers rematch against Mineral Wells. 

Just kicking the ball at any height was a dangerous move as over 40 mph winds pushed it in every direction. The goals themselves had to be secured during the JV matches before the varsity teams played due to the high winds pushing them back.

“That wind played the biggest factor in it, honestly,” head coach Tim Wankowicz said. “In the first half, we made a couple of errors defensively that allowed them to score on us, both of them our fault. We missed a couple of easy opportunities in that first half that should have happened.”

Things started early for the Rams with a score less than 10 minutes in the first half, but the Steers were not going to let that go unanswered. 

Easton Hedge, who has been a powerhouse for the team all season, got close on a shot and was followed up from a shot attempt by Victor Pardo. Jace Gill would tie things up for Graham with a shot with almost 26 minutes remaining in the first half.

After a close attempt by Hedge hit the top of the post of the goal, it was a back and forth endeavor between the two teams as they fought the wind, cold and pushed for a final win.

Near the end of the first half, with less than seven minutes remaining, Mineral Wells scored. That lead did not last long when Hedge tied things up with a goal less than 15 seconds after the Rams’ goal. 

The two teams headed into the second half with things tied at 2-2 and the weather not letting up. 

After making his way past defenders near the goal, Jordan Ginn made another shot for the Steers with around 30 minutes left on the clock to bring them ahead for the first time in the game.

It was a struggle for Graham in the second half as the wind was against them. The team fought to push the ball down the field as the Rams pushed their way through time and time again and eventually score a goal with less than 15 minutes left on the clock.

After being swapped out near the end of the second half, Trejo led the way for Thomas Gage to take over. He made some key stops in the second half that saw both teams get aggressive as the time ticked down.

That final score from the Rams would be the last scoring seen in the game. While things did not go as planned for the Steers during their game Tuesday, the work seen by the team was honored before the start of the Lady Blues game. 

Nine senior players were escorted to the field and cheered on by family, friends and the community as they moved on to the next chapter of their lives. Steers seniors recognized were Thomas Gage, Easton Hedge, Yahir Jimenz, Donal Lopez, Raul Lucio, Victor Pardo, Jordan Paulin, Sergi Unanuae Solla and Ozzy Trejo.

The team is waiting to see the outcome of games that will be played after press time Friday, March 7 to determine the Steers playoff status.

“If Mineral Wells loses on Friday, then we're in. If they lose or if they tie, whatever the outcome of the shootout is, we'll be in the playoffs. If Burke loses, we're in the playoffs,” Wankowicz said. “It's not in our hands anymore, but it's pretty good for us, because... one goes against Decatur, one goes against Bridgeport. The odds are in our favor, but anything can happen.”