Montgomery Bell Academy Edges Ravenwood in Gritty JV Clash
In a tense and tightly contested affair at Montgomery Bell Academy on Monday, 15 April, the Big Red JV squad managed to hold off a determined Ravenwood Raptors side, clinching a narrow 1-0 victory in front of an energetic home crowd in Nashville.
With both teams evenly matched through the first half, the breakthrough came in the second period when MBA capitalised on a corner. The delivery caused havoc in the box and eventually fell to midfielder William Adair, who calmly slotted the ball past the Ravenwood keeper to give the hosts the lead.
That goal proved decisive, but not for lack of effort from the Raptors. Known for their attacking flair—averaging nearly three goals a game coming into the match—Ravenwood were largely stifled by MBA's compact defensive shape and well-drilled backline. Still, the visitors continued to press for an equaliser deep into stoppage time.
In the final seconds, Ravenwood mounted a desperate and thrilling counter-attack. Charles O'Neal intercepted a poor MBA clearance near midfield and quickly distributed to Kyle Klose, who took a touch and lifted his head to spot Canon Moss racing down the flank. Moss drew defenders wide before threading a perfectly timed pass to Daniel Rosas Guerra II, who had slipped behind MBA's defensive line. Charging into the penalty area with purpose, Rosas Guerra appeared to be brought down from behind in what looked to be a clear penalty—but the referee waved play on, and moments later blew the final whistle.
Gasps and appeals echoed from the Ravenwood bench and travelling supporters, but the decision stood, sealing MBA's hard-fought win.
The result brings MBA's record to 5-1 on the season, reinforcing their credentials as a top defensive unit, while Ravenwood falls to 9-2 after a match that could easily have gone either way.
Match Summary:
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Date: Monday, 15 April 2025
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Venue: Montgomery Bell Academy, Nashville, TN
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Final Score: Montgomery Bell Academy 1, Ravenwood High School 0
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Goal Scorer: William Adair (MBA)
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Halftime Score: 0-0
Team Records:
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Montgomery Bell Academy: 5-1
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Ravenwood High School: 9-2
Raptors Strike First but Fall Short in Gritty Varsity Battle at MBA
Montgomery Bell Academy 2, Ravenwood High School 1
Ravenwood High School's Varsity boys showed they can stand with the state's best on Monday night, taking the fight straight to unbeaten Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville. Despite a brave and energetic performance, the Raptors fell 2-1 after an early lead and a second-half played largely with ten men.
The visitors came out with confidence and intent, and it paid off 17 minutes in when forward Spencer Brown slotted home a clinical finish into the bottom-left corner—Ravenwood 1, MBA 0. It was a brilliant build-up and a composed strike that stunned the home crowd and gave the Raptors the early edge.
MBA responded just four minutes later, capitalising on a brief lapse to draw level. Then, with just under five minutes left in the half, the Big Red surged down the left flank and rifled a low, driven shot past the keeper to take a 2-1 lead into the break.
The second half was a different battle entirely. Ravenwood were forced to play down a man after a red card left them short, but the Raptors didn't fold. Instead, they pressed forward with urgency, stringing together dangerous counterattacks and pushing for the equaliser. The back line held firm under pressure, and the midfield dug in deep to recover possession and create chances.
Despite the disadvantage, Ravenwood remained well in the match until the final whistle—an effort that spoke volumes about their resolve and potential as postseason looms.
Match Summary:
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Date: Monday, April 15, 2025
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Location: Montgomery Bell Academy, Nashville, TN
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Final Score: MBA 2, Ravenwood 1
Goal Scorers:
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RHS: Spencer Brown (17')
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MBA: Equaliser (21'), Go-ahead goal (35')
Team Records:
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Ravenwood High School: 8-3-1
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Montgomery Bell Academy: 7-0-0
