Lincolnton rolls in Gazette Cup opener

Not a bad Gazette Cup debut.

Lincolnton turned its first Gazette Cup match into a rout, scoring three quick goals midway through the first half on its way to an 8-1 win over North Gaston.

Carmelo Trejo scored three goals and assisted another as Lincolnton (1-0) stayed in the hunt for a championship match berth.

The Wolves expect to contend for the title despite losing eight starters and 11 seniors from last year's 2A sectional finalist.

"I'm just glad they're a different team from last year," Lincolnton coach Ian Meeks said. "They communicate a lot more."

Kevin Miller, Fernando Ibarra, Manuel Ibarra, Moises Peña and Corey Forner scored one goal each for the Wolves, who face Forestview Wednesday at 8:30. Steven Arias assisted three goals, and Andres Molinuevo and Peña one each.

Trejo put the Wolves on the board quickly with a goal at the six-minute mark. Micah Smith answered for North Gaston (0-2) three minutes later, but it was all Lincolnton after that.

The Wolves scored three goals within six minutes to take a 4-1 lead by the 33rd minute. Lincolnton scored again before halftime and three more times after the break.