Each squad is in its first season under new leadership, and each is trying to find its place in a league that has two frontrunners and seven other teams fighting for position.

It was the conference opener for Panther Creek and the second Tri-Nine game for Holly Springs, but Wednesday match could’ve given one side some early-season separation from the other.

The Golden Hawks and Catamounts appeared almost equal on the pitch, but an early goal by Panther Creek’s Eric Esposto was all the Cats needed for a 1-0 win.

While their résumés appeared almost equal on paper, their schedules did not, and that played a role.

Panther Creek (2-1, 1-0 Tri-Nine) had a Monday contest with Athens Drive pushed back to Thursday because of inclement weather, but Holly Springs’ game with Cary – a game where the Hawks won in overtime – was moved just one day forward. The Golden Hawks (2-1-1, 1-1) were playing their second game in two days, while the Catamounts had a full week between games.

The energy gap was evident until Esposto’s goal, which was assisted by Hernan Mogollon, 12 minutes into the contest. Hawks goalkeeper Tyler Ragsdale was tested many more times in the first half as the Holly Springs defenders tried to get their bearings.

“We started a little bit too late this time around. Fresh legs would’ve been nice, but because we didn’t have the fresh legs we should’ve started with a little more intensity a little bit earlier,” Holly Springs coach Bob Neil said. “The kids still played till the last whistle. I’m proud of the level of intensity that (we) showed. Back-to-back games are tough.”

Panther Creek’s defense intercepted most of the Hawks’ passes that threatened to move Holly Springs closer to the goal.

Seniors Harry Smith and Eric Leibl plus junior James Compton and sophomore Canyon Dell’omo made up the Catamounts’ starting back line, while junior Max Swartz got the start in goal.

“Our back four kept us in it and our keeper as well,” PC coach David Grant said. “Without them we probably don’t get the result we do.”

Despite the loss, Neil felt confident his team would distinguish itself from the other Tri-Nine teams currently looking up in the standings at Fuquay-Varina and Green Hope.

“We’re right where I expect,” Neil said. “We’re a tough competitor and we’re definitely somebody to keep an eye on. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this season.”