It had been 17 years since Goodrich and Brandon high school soccer teams battled for the County Line Cup’a trophy that between 1985 and 1992 was dominated by the Blackhawks.
On a dark, rainy Tuesday evening, Sept. 8 all that changed at the Brandon High School Soccer field.
By a 3-0 score, the defending Division III State Champion Goodrich Martians hoisted the cup for the first time.
‘The game was very intense at times,? said Evan Huizenga, Goodrich Boys varsity coach. ‘It’s a big time game’one that we looked forward to years ago and one that should get a lot of attention now. The weather was a factor and it was close, 1-0 at half time. It’s a great rivalry’both teams played hard and we are looking forward to the game next season.?
Wayne Thompson, Brandon Athletic Director, found the old trophy in a high school closet and contacted both Brandon and Goodrich coaches to start playing the game once again. Both varsity soccer coaches are familiar with the Blackhawk-Martian battles’Brandon Coach Phil Kimmel, along with Goodrich Coach Evan Huizenga played on their respective teams in the Martian-Blackhawk game in the mid-1990s.
Prior to Tuesday’s game, Brandon out- scored Goodrich during the seven meetings for the cup by a combined score of 48-5.
The County Line Cup will be on display at Goodrich High School.