Vikings play at Fulton today in TSSAA Class AA sectional match
HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER
Ryan Fish was a freshman starter when Tennessee High made its previous appearance in a TSSAA boys soccer sectional (a.k.a. sub-state) match.
That 2022 trip ended with an 8-1 loss at Austin-East.
"We got crushed," Fish said. "It was still fun to experience playing in that game though."
Fish will get a chance to experience it again on Saturday and is hoping for a much different outcome as Tennessee High (9-7-2) plays the Fulton Falcons (11-3-3) at 7 p.m. in Knoxville in a Class AA sectional match. A win would put the Vikings in the state tournament for the first time in program history.
The unsure freshman is now a senior stalwart eyeing that state trip.
"I feel like I'm better prepared," Fish said. "I know the game better. Honestly, I think we have a better team this year."
People are also reading... 2025 "PAPPY" THOMPSON AWARD FINALIST NO. 3: Ryan O'Quinn, Ridgeview 2025 "PAPPY" THOMPSON AWARD FINALIST NO. 2: Emmah McAmis, Wise County Central HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: Childress-led John Battle lambasts Lee, Mountain 7 standings for Region 2D teams far from settled HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS HOOPS: John Battle searching for new coach, while Eastside and J.I. Burton have theirs HIGH SCHOOL SOCCER: Gate City boys win first-place showdown with Abingdon; GC girls win too Montgomery charged with first-degree murder TUESDAY'S HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Caden Altizer (Honaker), Collyn Neff (Union), Kaelyn Dales (Wise Central), Gracie Garrett (Lee High), Allison Akers (Rye Cove), Leah Rasnake (Grundy), Wrenn Rainero and Grayson Woodall (Abingdon) among stars THURSDAY'S HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Emma Sartin and Tony Underwood (Eastside), Avery Weston (Lee High), Aliyah Davidson (Union), Jailey Gross (Honaker), Lauren Monroe (Gate City), Ollie Foy (Virginia High) among plenty of standouts HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS HOOPS: Mark Dockery is Eastside's new coach Completed car tower latest addition to Centre Point Bristol development Rezoning would allow RV park to operate near I-81 Exit 7 WEDNESDAY'S HIGH SCHOOL ROUNDUP: Chase Wolfenbarger (Tennessee High), Hayden Reed (Abingdon), Chelsi Riffe (Grundy), Jocelyn Aldrich and Emma Sartin (Eastside), Trey Ward (Rural Retreat), Sam Whitman (Union), Ella Dales (Graham) among many stars Curt's Ace Hardware hosts grand opening for new Bristol location 2025 "PAPPY" THOMPSON AWARD FINALIST NO. 1: Tyler Barrett, Patrick Henry Route 58 to reopen next week; most highway infrastructure damage repaired
Tennessee High had some early-season struggles, but some formation changes by coach Hunter Meade and growing confidence made a big difference. The Vikings won their first district tournament title since 1997.
"I think we just wanted it these past few games," Fish said. "We've just been putting in the hard work. I think the willingness to work with each other even when we're down is our biggest strength."
Tennessee High fell behind early and never recovered in a 5-1 loss to David Crockett in Thursday's Region 1-AA finals.
"We can still turn it around," Fish said. "It's not over yet."
Fish has scored nine goals and dished out four assists this season and is as reliable as they come.
Opposing coaches make sure to focus on Fish when it comes to their scouting reports.
"Ryan is an incredible player who never gives up," said Crockett coach Chris Kudera. "He played multiple positions this year to put his team in the best position to succeed and it made an impact all season. He has given us fits in each game we've played."
Like Tennessee High, Fulton is also enjoying success after muddling through the schedule in March. The Falcons won a regional title with a wild win over Cocke County that wasn't decided until 10 rounds of penalty kicks had been contested.
"This has been a historic season for us. A lot of firsts in our soccer program and the boys know that and they're very proud of that," said Fulton coach Austin Clow.
"Proud to represent Fulton High School and this community and bring a little notice our way, because we have an amazing school and community that loves us and is growing to love soccer."
Seniors Yefri Banegas Sosa, Denis Reina Padilla, Leo Lopez Carias and Juan Quintana are the leaders for Fulton.
"I think just that our goal as a team is to get a little bit better every day," Clow said. "We have focused on those things for the past four years. Our first year we were 0-12-2 and we have slowly built from there, so I'm very proud of the guys who have been a part of that process the last three and four years of building.
"We also have a very diverse team which represents the diversity of our school and community and we're proud of that. I think there's something like five or six different languages spoken by players on the team and I know a couple of them and am learning a few more, but soccer and working hard together are our universal language."
Meanwhile, Fish is relishing the opportunity to have another shot at reaching the state tournament. He received his diploma on Friday night at graduation and could make the weekend even more special with a win on Saturday.
"It's been a good way to end my senior year," Fish said.
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.