While Battlefield has passed rival Stonewall Jackson in most sports during the last few years, it appears that the Raider boys soccer team is ready to give the Bobcats and the rest of the district a run for their money.

A second-half goal from Stonewall senior Carlos Bolanos broke a 1-1 tie Friday night in Manassas, leading to a 2-1 SJ win in the first Cedar Run district game of the season for both teams.

"They were better than I thought," said Stonewall coach Rody Vargas. "They were quick but our defense got them at the right time.

"We play like a team," he added.

Stonewall (3-1-1 overall) controlled the tempo from the get-go and hit the scoreboard with the first goal of the game on a rebound shot from sophomore Isael Diaz. According to Vargas, steady ball control by the Raiders' midfielders made a big difference in allowing Stonewall to keep Battlefield at bay.

"Well, I think we moved the ball (well) side to side," said the coach, highlighting his team's 4-3-3 set-up. "We forced them to hold back on their side of the field. (Our defenders) weren't letting them settle, they were stepping up pressure."

Battlefield senior Nathan Moyer responded to the Diaz shot by depositing an assist from sophomore teammate Alfonso Mendez before half time, knotting the game back up at 1-1.

After the half, Stonewall stepped up both their offensive and defensive attacks. Bolanos knocked in a cross kick to take the lead and junior goalie Chuck Cataloluk stopped a crucial penalty kick that provided Stonewall with enough momentum to close out the game.

"I looked in his eyes and I just guessed," said Cataloluk about his diving stab.

The loss by Battlefield (3-4-1 overall) marked the Bobcats' fourth-consecutive defeat after the team started the season 3-0-1 with wins over Mountain View, Colonial Forge and Woodbridge and a 1-1 tie against Forest Park.

Since the March 25 victory against the Vikings, Battlefield's opponents outscored the Bobcats by a combined 9-2. George Mason and Herndon both recorded shutouts and Brentsville District limited BHS to one goal while four scores of its own.

Battlefield will have the opportunity to address any problem spots picked apart by head coach Ott Pimsean this week as the team doesn't hit the playing field again until Tuesday due to spring break. The Bobcats then begin a stint of four consecutive district matches, starting off with another trip to Manassas, this time to take on Osbourn.

As for Stonewall, Vargas emphasized that applying constant pressure on the field is the key to success against a team like Battlefield. The Bobcats and Raiders face off again May 10 in Haymarket, exactly two weeks before the scheduled start of the Cedar Run District tournament.

"Before the game, we prepared" really well, said the goalie Cataloluk. "We knew that we were going to win. We have self-confidence."