AJ Speights makes a diving stop to halt Suwannee’s attack.  

LIVE OAK — With a difficult beginning to the season, the Suwannee boys soccer team needed a fast start coming back from Thanksgiving break.

The Bulldogs moved the ball well and got everyone involved in Monday’s game against Hamilton County, achieving that fast start with an 8-0 victory over the Trojans. 

Six different players scored a goal for Suwannee. Chayse Warren and Charlie McCullers had two goals. 

“Our passing was good, communication was good,” said SHS coach Bill O’Briant. “The ball was moving and they were seeing the field. We had a tough start before break. This was a good momentum builder for us.”

Chase Smith’s goal in the 55th minute ended the game by mercy rule. Smith also recorded an assist. His cross was headed in by Warren in the 53rd minute.

Alex Rang, Hunter Merola and Lukas Schaefer scored goals for the Bulldogs, who are now 3-3-2 on the season and 1-1 in district play.

HCHS goalie AJ Speights made some nice diving stops on his way to five saves in the first half. 

Trojans coach Horacio Perez was impressed with the way his first-year goalie played, but thought his team played with a lack of energy.

“Every season, in the second half of the season, we turn things around,” he said. “I keep telling them, ‘you can not wait to turn it on.’”    

Suwannee hosts Gainesville tonight at 7 p.m. Hamilton hosts Oak Hall on Thursday at 6 p.m.