By Michael Butler
The Tallassee soccer teams completed their seasons with Senior Night on Tuesday at J.E. “Hot” O’Brien Stadium. For coach Matthew Tarpley, it was his last. Tarpley will take over at Tuskegee next season, launching the school’s first soccer program.
Tarpley spent the last five years at THS and will stay on as a teacher and continue to assist with soccer when he can. In his three years as head coach, he compiled a 54-20-11 record.
“It’s been a culmination of building this program to where it is today,” he said. “I’m really happy with the state of our soccer program. We’ve got three really full rosters. Kids are excited. They’re coming out and playing.”
The senior class included 22 players, 11 on each varsity squad for the boys and girls. The boys squad finished 15-9-4. The girls went 9-14.
“It seems like it’s the end of an era,” said Tarpley. “A lot of these girls started playing as ninth graders when we started the girls team. These boys have been through it all. They were tenth graders when we sent to semifinals.”
That “Final Four” appearance in 2024 was the highlight of Tarpley’s tenure. The team fell to Gulf Shores 2-1 in Huntsville. The Dolphins went on to beat Guntersville for the Class 5A state title.
“”I’m really proud of this class. This is the winningest class of soccer players in the history of Tallassee.”
Photos by Kyle Thornton
Tarpley is optimistic about Tallassee’s soccer future as well. The junior varsity finished its season undefeated.
“It’s the first undefeated season for soccer here in Tallassee which is amazing. I’m still going to be helping. I’m not really going anywhere.”
One Tallassee senior, Lewis Moseley, will be following Tarpley to Tuskegee.
“I love that kid,” Tarpley added. “He’s worked hard playing club soccer.”
Moseley scored 16 goals this season and added 18 assists. Moseley was part of solid 1-2 scoring combo with Frank Diego, who had 17 goals and three assists.
Tonya Delfin will be playing soccer at Faulkner. Another senior on the team, Yuren Rodriguez, will be a kicker on Faulkner’s football team next fall.
“We’ve got some kids moving on who will keep on playing and competing at the collegiate level,” Tarpley said. “I’m super proud of them. It’s a testament to the work they’ve put in.”
Tallassee Times 
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