A decades-long soccer rivalry between Warren County and Cookeville won’t continue this year in the regular season. So the teams decided to scrimmage Tuesday at WCHS.

A heated matchup ended in a 1-1 tie when the Lady Pioneers had the potential winning goal called off in the final minutes due to an off-sides call. The Warren County coaching staff didn’t agree with the referee’s call, but the goal was not allowed to count.

WCHS senior Katie Toney scored the goal that did count for the Lady Pioneers. Cookeville scored its goal off a corner kick.

Cookeville and Warren County soccer are no longer in the same district this year due to TSSAA realignment. WCHS coach Todd Willmore tried to schedule Cookeville as a non-district opponent, but it didn’t work out.

The Warren County coaching staff was pleased with the scrimmage performance. Afterwards, coach Willmore told the girls to work on getting settled earlier in the game. He thought there may have been a few jitters early.

Willmore also stressed the importance of being vocal as he said communication is key to playing a complete game.

The Lady Pioneers have one more scrimmage this coming Thursday at Blackman at 6 p.m. before the regular season begins Aug. 17 with a road game in Ooltewah. The first home game is Aug. 24.