Bartlett High School’s Devin Malone was named to the Tennessee High School Soccer Association All-State team in August.
“It’s a huge honor to me,” he said. “I love to be recognized.”
Malone, a senior, is one of five AAA soccer players named to the all-state team. He is primarily a center striker, although he can play out on the wings if necessary, and is a captain for Bartlett’s squad this upcoming spring.
Last season he scored 24 goals; but his high goal-scoring tally wasn’t the only trait that earned him a spot on the all-state list.
“My speed is definitely a factor,” he said. “I had trouble finishing at the beginning of the year, but after a couple games getting frustrated with it, I wound up being able to bury them.”
When Bartlett faced the eventual state champions Houston High School, Malone noticed that Houston’s Coach David Wolff tried to expose his weak foot, forcing him to shoot with his left boot instead of his preferred right. He took that as motivation to show that his game has no weaknesses.
“Coach Wolff from Houston made it a clear point to my coach that he thought I didn’t use my left foot,” Malone said. “That was one of the things I look on, because after that Houston game, I proved to everyone that I do have a left foot.”
Malone has been playing soccer “pretty much since I’ve been able to,” estimating age four to be the starting point of his playing days.
Each year he’s played for Bartlett, the team has sniffed a state tournament appearance, but not quite been able to get there, falling in sub-state twice, and last year to Arlington in the district tournament.
Making it to the state tournament is a goal not only for Malone, but for the team. However, Bartlett will be fielding a young squad with a new back line-up.
While youth oftentimes translates to mental errors and lack of attention to detail on the field, Malone said that won’t be the case.
“Younger players tend to work harder,” he explained. “They tend to come in and want to prove themselves a lot harder. I definitely think we have a freshman/sophomore class that wants to do that, wants to help us win.”
Malone said that to back up his selection to the All-State team that he needs to come back, be serious, and work hard.
He showed last season why he deserved the honor, and is ready to exceed expectations this upcoming season.
The Arlington Tigers kept their undefeated record intact Friday by beating Sheffield 49-6 at home. A handful of different Tigers scored early and often, making the score 42-6 by halftime. ABOVE: Running back Tevarious Foster had a touchdown and 89 yards on 10 carries. The Tiger’s defense gave up only 31 total yards. They host White Station on Friday.
Written by Mac Trammell, special to the Express.
