A fast start can often seal a victory in soccer well before halftime. Watauga took that one step further in its 6-0 win over Wilkes Central Wednesday at Jack Groce Stadium.

Alex Parsons scored two goals in the first three minutes of the game, and Justin Hall added another at the 15-minute mark of the first half to put Watauga in front 3-0 and effectively slam the door on Wilkes Central.

Logan Raichle and Collin Kreis-Potgieter added first half goals to give the Pioneers a 5-0 halftime lead that Wilkes Central never came close to overcoming. The Eagles occasionally took some shots at three Watauga goalkeepers, but the Pioneers were never in any serious doubt of losing the game.

“It just gives you a lot of confidence,” Watauga coach Woody McKay said. “It was nice, even with the second team in, they were passing well. They were creating chances. They weren’t giving up easy shots, so it’s just a tribute to the guys. They’ve been working and some nights it just clicks.”

Hall assisted Parsons on his first goal, which was scored 180 seconds into the match. Parsons went unassisted with the second goal 30 seconds later.

Tucker Chasteen assisted Raichle’s goal, and Hunter Martin assisted both of Kreis-Potgieter’s goals.

It was a much different situation from last season when Watauga had to scratch out a 3-2 victory at Wilkes Central High. The Pioneers were able to use several different players in different positions towards the end of the game Wednesday night.

“We had a hard time with Wilkes Central last year,” McKay said. “We beat them 3-2, but it was a tough game. Hopefully we can score some goals in the tournament.”

Watauga won’t play again until Monday in the Catawba Tournament. The Pioneers take on McDowell in the first game, and then face Avery on Tuesday. McKay said Watauga’s final game in the tournament, which is Thursday, depends on how the Pioneers do in the first two.

Watauga beat Avery 2-0 last year.