Savage breaks record in Tigers' victory

Fort Scott senior Don Savage broke Fort Scott High School's single-season goal-scoring record in the first half of Tuesday's 7-0 victory over Riverton. (Kenny Felt/Special to the Tribune)

It took longer than anticipated but Fort Scott High School senior Don Savage broke the soccer program's single-season goal-scoring record off an assist from Wyatt Hulbert in the 29th minute of play against Riverton at Ellis Park Tuesday evening.

The Tigers won 7-0 with Savage scoring a second goal in the 47th minute, giving him 25 for the season. The old record of 23 was set by Troy Stumfoll in 2005.

"It's great," Fort Scott head coach Kevin Gray said of the record. "We tried to come out and meant to take care of business but that was still there. I'm obviously proud. It's a great accomplishment. But we're not done yet."

Post-season play counts in these sort of records, so Savage might have a chance to put the record out of reach if Fort Scott can go a couple of rounds into the Class 4-3-2-1A playoffs, which begin next week.

The Tigers improved to 11-5 on the season, matching the school record for victories that was set by the 2009 team. Fort Scott has won its last four games by a combined total of 29-2 with Savage scoring 10 times during that run.

There was little doubt about how this game would come out. The Rams have been struggling this year and don't have enough players to field a junior varsity team. Of the 17 players out, six are freshmen and nine are sophomores.

Hulbert scored first in the fifth minute, taking the ball from a Riverton defender and chipping one in from short range. Chase Howser scored the second goal six minutes later.

Roger Rodriguez scored in the 12th minute when his corner kick got a push from the strong breeze and went into the goal.

Savage had a shot blocked by a defender shortly after Hulbert's initial goal. In the 13th minute, he had a shot go over the crossbar.

In the 21st, a defender's challenge forced Savage to shoot over the crossbar again. In the 25th, Savage had a one-on-one breakaway saved by Ram goalkeeper Ethan Scibor.

Hulbert headed in his second goal in the 28th minute to make it 4-0. It was just a minute later when Savage got on the board.

"We knew what we had to do today," Gray said. "We took care of business."

Hulbert's assist on Savage's first goal made him just the second Tiger to have a 10-goal, 10-assist season. The other player was Max McAllister 2009.

Riverton didn't cross midfield in the first half and didn't get its first shot away until the 51st minute of play. The Rams got two chances at a penalty kick in the 59th minute. Blayke Sullivan's first try missed over the crossbar but the referee ruled that Fort Scott goalkeeper had moved forward when Sullivan kicked it. A goalkeeper may only move sideways on a penalty kick.

Sullivan's second try hit the crossbar.

Gray sent in several junior varsity players in the 63rd minute and one of them, Tyler Endicott, scored just moments later to cap the scoring.

Fort Scott took 31 shots to Riverton's four. Allen needed to make only one save as only one Ram shot went on goal.

The Tigers look to win a Regional playoff game for the first time next Tuesday. The teams will be seeded Saturday and Gray is confident that Fort Scott will be hosting Coffeyville.

Goalkeepers

R -- Ethan Scibor (20 shots faced, 13 on goal, 7 saves, 6 goals), Brock Vavra (63rd min., 11 shots faced, 2 on goal, 1 save, 1 goal). FS -- Brett Allen.

Scoring

FS -- Hulbert (unassisted), 4th min.

FS -- Howser (unassisted), 10th min.

FS -- Rodriguez (unassisted), 12th min.

FS -- Hulbert, 2 (Rodriguez), 28th min.

FS -- Do.Savage (Hulbert), 29th min.

FS -- Do.Savage (Cowlishaw), 47th min,

FS -- Endicott (unassisted), 64th min.