The Hillcrest Academy boys soccer team needed help.

And that’s the great thing about a small school. Wave a flag, and the help soon arrives.

The Ravens had lost their previous two games by shutouts. And, for various reasons, they were down to 11 players for their nonconference game Saturday against Cedar Valley Christian. And a new guy at goalkeeper. That meant no substitutes. Just keep on playing.

A soccer coach’s nightmare.

But not at Hillcrest Academy, where cries for help don’t often go unanswered. Four members of the golf team told soccer coach Marcus Miller they’d play. Two of them had played soccer through the sixth grade, so they did have some idea of what goal kicks and penalty kicks are. Another had never played soccer, but, hey, why not?

Another Raven, senior Aidan Yoder who played on the boys basketball team, had agreed to give soccer a try for two games. He made his debut last week against Columbus.

“Saturday, he started and played the whole game,” Miller said, “so I’m hoping he decides to stick with us through the rest of the season.”

 The Ravens emerged with a 1-0 victory Saturday.

Remember, this team had minimal, or no, practice time together.

 Noah Miller, a junior, scored his second goal of the season when he received a throw-in, dribbled between two defenders and slammed in a shot from 20 yards out.

Aaron Hershberger, a senior, started his first game in goal and earned a shutout with seven saves. Senior Eli Ours, another member of the basketball team, led a strong defensive effort in front of Hershberger.

One of the biggest cheers was for sophomore golfer Luke Schrock, who scored, but the goal was called off due to an offside call.

“It was fun to hear the guys cheer and holler when they thought Luke scored, as they were also grateful to have their help,” Miller said.

 Other golfers joining Luke Schrock in Saturday’s soccer win were his brother London Schrock, plus Jace Rempel and Josiah Beachy. London Schrock was coming off his fourth consecutive medal performance in a golf tournament at Lone Tree.

The conversations actually started earlier this spring. Two of the golfers said they would like to play, Miller said, “If we ever needed help.”

Yoder offered the same.

Instead of somehow finding a way to reschedule a game at this point in the season, Miller now had 16 players.

“As a coach at a small school, I was grateful these guys were willing to help,” Miller said. “Both Schrocks are athletic, fast and strong, while Jace had a strong sense of how to play midfield, a place we needed some help.

“I was thankful the golf coach [Phil Schintler] allowed them to play. With all the sports in the spring, it would be nice to see golf moved to the fall for all schools, not just the largest schools, but that’s something beyond my control.”

Currently, the Iowa High School Athletic Association hosts Class 4A boys golf in the fall, and Classes 3A-2A-1A golf in the spring. All soccer is also in the spring.

The Ravens are home Thursday night at 6 p.m. to face Mediapolis. The golf team is home the same day against Columbus.

I’m calling for double wins.

Paul Bowker can be reached at bowkerpaul1@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter: @bowkerpaul.