PHILLIPS BOYS NFCL SOCCER CHAMPIONS The Phillips school boys’ soccer team members are the tournament champions by defeating Strong under the lights of Mt. Abram. Pictured are (back row, left to right): Cal Dixon, Kendall Dudley, Logan Boyce, Tristan Frye, Jarrod Witham, Ben Dudley, Damien Cochran, Tristen Dyer, Sol Fast, coach Marc Edwards, (front) Nate Boyce, Jake Davenport, Noah White, Lucas Newell, John Andrews, Stephen Charles and Shaine White. (David Hart photo) SALEM –- Under chilly conditions at Mt. Abram High School the Phillips Raiders became the tournament champions in NFCL soccer by defeating the top ranked Strong Indians 2-1 in a well played, evenly skilled match-up.

Phillips came into the contest ranked third and defeated Kingfield to get the ticket to the big field under the lights.

Raider Shaine White got the scoring going in the first half after teammate Cal Dixon fed him he ball for the assist.

The battled continued throughout the 60-minute contest in a back and forth format. Phillips eventually outshot Strong 6-4 that evening.

Both keepers, Tristen Dyer for Philips and Cody White for Strong, had great evenings.

In the second half, Indian speedster Trevor Brackley gained control on his half of the field and broke away clearing defenders. Brackley found the back of the net and tied the game at one with Strong’s only goal of the evening.

Looking like the game was destined for overtime, Dixon gained control in the near-side corner with under two minutes remaining and floated a far-side cross that shadowed the face of the net.

Fifth grade striker Noah White (Shaine’s brother) found he was right where he should be and picked up the pass and laced a shot that was the game winner.