Caleb Hines found the back of the net twice and Beckham Scott added a score of his own as the Covenant Middle School soccer team roared into the TNCAA southern division lead.

The Lions beat West Academy 3-1 Monday at home, giving the team pole position as it enters the final week of the season and jockeys for postseason seeding.

“It’s a huge win,” said coach Chris Madewell. “It puts us in first in our division and sets us up for a bye in the first round next week.”

The Lions made the trip to visit West Academy last week, with the game ending in a draw. Hines made sure Monday’s matchup wouldn’t have the same outcome.

Hines scored twice, including putting the game away in the second half on a penalty kick.

The speedy Lion raced through the West Academy zone, weaving through defenders on his way to the net. Just as Hines looked poised to strike for his second goal, he was tripped up in the box.

The referees awarded a penalty kick, which Hines promptly buried to give his team a 3-0 lead with just a few minutes remaining.

West Academy was able to add a late goal, but it didn’t seem to sway Madewell’s opinion of his stop unit.

“We got off to a good start, scoring early. Once we had that, we were really solid defensively,” said Madewell, who has guided the Lions to a 5-1-1 record.

Scott had the game’s first goal, while Hines made it 2-0 before halftime.

Covenant is set to conclude the regular season Thursday at Lancaster Academy. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.