It was a redneck affair at the Esler Sports Complex Saturday when You Better Redneckognize took on the Housecoat Hillbillies in the final of the Fourth Annual Clark Classic Soccer Tournament.
And when regulation decided nothing, it came down to penalty kicks. Housecoat Hillbillies’ sisters Ashly Hay and Angela Hay-Vicars both found the twine on You Better Redneckognize keeper Leah Watt to ice the victory.
The win marked a come-from-behind effort as both Tanya Iachetta and Ashley Callander scored early in the second half for You Better Redneckognize, before the Housecoat Hillbillies tied it up in the dying seconds of regulation.
Housecoat Hillbillies’ forward Allison Levens scored first while Hay-Vicars notched the tying goal.
In semifinal play the Hillbillies downed the Gus Dynasty 2-0 with Levens scoring twice to reach the championship. In the other semi You Better Redneckognize edged CIFAC (Cariboo Initial Fire Attack Crew) 2-1. Ryan and Watt both scored for Redneckognize in the winning effort.
The tournament, dedicated to longtime lakecity soccer coach, player and mentor Clark Glanville, featured five co-ed teams dressed in their trashiest redneck attire for this year’s theme.
Andrea Gustafson, one of the tournament organizers, said Clark’s contribution to soccer in the community helped pave the way for many young players to continue on to play the game at a high level.
Clark, along with his wife, Bev, took in the day’s festivities as both of Clark’s sons, Ryan and Sean Glanville, played in the tournament and in the final.
Both the first- and second-place teams graciously donated their tournament winnings back to the tournament to help send Clark and Bev on a holiday. In previous years the tournament has been used to help fundraise for the Esler Sports Complex’s playground.
The tournament featured seven-a-side play with three men and four women on the field at all times with five teams competing.