The Mathews High School varsity soccer team started its 2018 season with back-to-back games against a very tough competitor. The Rappahannock Raiders had made it all the way to last year’s VHSL Group 1A state semifinal game.

While Mathews lost both contests, the Blue Devils showed a marked improvement from last Wednesday’s season opener in Richmond County to Monday night’s home game. Mathews lost the games by 7-0 and 6-3 margins.

In the opener, the Blue Devils struggled early, unable to get the ball out of their defensive half of the field. The Raiders commanded possession and were able to put several shots into the back of the net in the first half, despite a solid effort from MHS keeper Landon Hudgins. Mathews continued to struggle in the second half, battling back from a four-goal deficit.

The Blue Devils were able to step up the pace but could not maintain possession long enough for solid goal scoring chances. The defensive line played hard to the...