COVINGTON, Ga. — After a tremendous middle school soccer season concluded with an intense finale, it was the Newton County Theme School War Eagles standing tall as champions. 

Their win over Indian Creek in a game that went into PKs was one described as redeeming according to coach Steven Livingston. 

“After losing our first game to Indian Creek, we all said that we will face them again in the championship, and that is what happened,” he said. “They played extremely well the rest of the season to ensure their spot at redemption.”

Livingston also described the championship game as one with no let down. As regulation ended, both teams found themselves tied 1-1, meaning the game and championship would be decided by an ever-so-intense shootout. 

In the shootout, NCTS was able to generate two more goals, while Indian Creek failed to score again, giving the War Eagles the title. 

But Livingston was not hesitant to commend the Panthers on their incredible season. 

“The game was super intense and just how it should be — exciting,” he said. “Indian Creek played an awesome game and have nothing to be ashamed of.”

Livingston noted that he is super proud of the club’s accomplishments this season, such as learning to “gel as a team” in a short period of time to perform at championship high level.

He also had a few thank you’s to pass out.

“I also want to give a big thank you to head coach Laurie Carpenter, athletic director Ashante Everett, and to the Newton County School System for their progress in the soccer program in the county for middle schools. We keep growing and improving each year and that is a wonderful thing.”

Just as high school soccer continues to climb in popularity in the area, middle school is having no trouble doing the same. After all, these middle school athletes will soon begin to make up the future of the soccer teams at the high school level.