Javion Ducksworth hasn’t been around the game of soccer like the majority of his teammates have.

His performance Monday night, however, did not reflect that.

The freshman center striker’s two goals led Northeast Jones to victory over county rival Laurel 3-1 at Laurel’s Susan Boone Vincent Sportsplex.

"Ducksworth is a ninth-grader who has no varsity playing experience until this year," said NEJ head boys soccer coach Matt Reid. "He's new to soccer in general. This is only his second or third year playing soccer. But he's grown up, and we depend on him a lot this year. He came up big tonight."

Nearly one minute after Laurel took an early 1-0 lead on a goal by sophomore David Acevedo, Duckworth, coming off the bench, equalized the match with his first goal. He struck again to put Northeast Jones on top in the second half.

Junior center midfielder Jason Garica, who assisted Ducksworth's second goal, sealed the match with a goal himself.

Northeast Jones controlled possession for 65 to 70 percent of the match.

"It all starts with our core group of guys dominating possession," said Reid. "I speak from experience. I've been on teams, and I've coached teams that have been out possessed a lot, and it wears on a team.

“I believe we wore down Laurel a little bit chasing the ball. Eventually, if you have the ball enough, you’re going to score. And things went our way tonight, especially in the second half.”

Northeast Jones improves to 2-0 on the season. Laurel falls to 1-4.

Girls Match

Four Lady Tigers scored goals, including a first-half hat-trick by Graison Holder, as Northeast Jones cruised to a 7-0 victory over Laurel earlier on Monday night.

Northeast Jones scored six goals in the first 40 minutes and evoked the mercy-rule with a solo goal in the second half.

Sydney Walters added two goals, one in the first half and one in the second — the second goal ending the contest. Cally Lewis and Izzy Harrison netted solo goals as well. Lewis also had two assists.

“Tonight our girls played some really good soccer,” said Lady Tigers head coach Brooke Zugg. “We saw some glimpses of stuff we’ve worked on for the past two or three years. It’s good to see that come to fruition.

"Again, like we've been the past several years, we're young. But it's exciting to look and see that we'll have the same girls next year. I'm excited about what the future holds for us."

Northeast Jones improves to 3-1. Laurel falls to 0-4-1.