By: Mason Branham
for Carter County Times
FLATWOODS – West Carter racked up one of the biggest soccer victories in team history last Saturday. The Comets defeated Russell, 2-1, on the Devils’ home field, their first victory over Russell.
Russell had the advantage in the play early in the contest. The hosts went ahead on a goal by Ben Hammond.
As the midway point of the half neared, West began playing with more confidence and started generating more and better scoring opportunities.
A long free kick by Jacob Branham was just tipped over the cross bar by Russell goalie Marcus Bellomy midway through the period.
The Comets took other shots that were just wide or high.
West finally pulled even, though.
Garrett Wolfe was battling Russell’s Braden Rucker for the ball deep in the box. Wolfe was able to head the ball out of the air and drop it at his feet. He got the shot off before Rucker could recover and beat the Russell goalie for the score.
The Comets scored the final goal of the game with 12 minutes to go in the first half.
Tanner Lewis drilled a penalty kick to the left of the diving goalie for the game-winner.
The West defense, led by goalkeeper Hunter Sammons, stood strong the rest of he game, turning away every Russell challenge.
West’s record improved to 4-3-1. Russell remained winless (0-6-1).
Russell will be visiting West on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Tanner Lewis (35) settles the ball after accepting a West Carter throw-in. (Photo by Mason Branham, Greenup Gazette) 
West Carter goalie Hunter Sammons (14) deflects the ball away after a Russell corner kick. (Photo by Mason Branham, Greenup Gazette) 
Galvin Sparks (16) of West Carter and Zach Hale (2) of Russell track the ball in the first half. (Photo by Mason Branham, Greenup Gazette) 