Walker's two goals leads Madison to Friday Night Futbol win over Clear Fork

BELLVILLE — Madison junior Joey Walker feels like the Rams have something to prove.

On Friday night, his team took the first step with a 3-1 victory over the Clear Fork Colts in the annual Friday Night Futbol contest that becomes the official start of soccer season. Walker scored two goals off of assists from Nate Evans and Ashton Taylor to lead the Rams to an opening-night victory.

MADISON GIRLS WIN: Questions answered: Madison Rams find scoring in Friday Night Futbol win over Clear Fork

Evans got the scoring started with 34:11 to go in the first half which was the lone score until after intermission. Walker scored with 32:02 and 15:58 left in the match to kick his junior season off in style. Clear Fork's Sam Swendal helped the Colts avoid the shutout with a perfectly placed kick from 40 yards away with 4:46 remaining for a goal on his birthday.

"We moved the ball very well, we just didn't finish in the final third," Madison coach Tim Lord said. "Clear Fork is always a team that is going to fight and Nate always does a great job. They were prepared and gave us a great match."

Walker, who was named the No. 1 returning boys soccer player in Richland County , saw the victory as a complete team effort.

"Our offense is super strong this year and it is one of the strongest we have ever had," Walked said. "As we prepared for this game, we worked hard on our offense but we believe it starts with a strong defense. Our midfield played well tonight and we just worked so well together. It shows we have played together since we were little."

Clear Fork coach Nate Gailey knew coming in that his Colts were facing an uphill battle. With many of his returning players being underclassmen, he was pleased with how his team stood up to a Madison squad with sky-high expectations.

"Going into the season, we kind of knew they would be one of the top teams in the entire area," Gailey said. "We knew what we were up against with their speed all over the field. I told the boys I was extremely proud of them. We did some things that we weren't doing very well two weeks ago but did them well tonight. We have some things to improve on, but this is Game 1 and we have 16 more to go."

He was also pleased with how his guys accepted different roles throughout the game as the Colts (0-1) are finally getting healthy after an injury-filled preseason. His Colts are back at it on Tuesday at Central Christian.

"This is the first time we played some of the combinations we played," Gailey said. "All summer, we had someone in a walking boot or banged up. Part of tonight was putting people in different formations just to see how they reacted. I am pleased. The boys should keep their heads high."

The Rams (1-0) returned just about everyone from last year's 12-4-2 team and look like a squad that can compete for an Ohio Cardinal Conference and Division III district championship.

"We believe we are and if we can keep our heads, stay humble and believe than 11 players working together will help us win," Lord said. "If we do that, we can be pretty good."

The Rams host Vermilion on Tuesday and that is the only game Walker is focused on.

"We are trying to not let the expectations bother us," Walker said. "We know we will have targets on our backs so, we will stay calm. I believe in my guys. We will be just fine."

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Walker's two goals leads Madison to Friday Night Futbol win over Clear Fork