The Region 3-AAA champion Wildcat boys soccer team demolished their first round opponent, Albany’s Monroe High School, 14-0 in the first round of the state playoffs on Friday, April 25.
The Cats, who went into the tournament as Region 3-AAA champs, now advance to round two which was played last night at home versus LaGrange. The girls, also coming away from a round one win, played an away game versus Columbus last night. Results of those games are available on www.bryancountynews.net with a story to follow in Saturday’s paper.
As for the boys’ first round sweep last Friday, Sam Vernon and Nic Harris led the offensive assault with three goals each. Greyson Surges scored twice. Sean Szad, Ben Botelho, Ethan Vernon, Zach Alltop, Jay Sipe and Zach Mazur each scored one goal. Vernon, Zach Payne and Surges each had three assists while Zach Denny and Jonathan Waller had one each. Richmond Hill racked up 36 shots while Monroe only managed four. Keeper Zach Alltop made four saves versus 22 from Monroe’s goalie.
"I was pleased at how quickly we knocked off the rust after 10 days," Coach Wade Wright said. "After a poor last outing, I was afraid we would be flat and lacking some confidence."
Wright said the boys team did a great job finding their game again.
"We still need to improve our team defense and we need to regain our touch. I am excited about our next game, but Region 2 has always been our Achilles heel," he said. "Every year that region has put us out of the playoffs. This next game will be a big step for the program if we can win. We will have to really be on our game. I do think that, if it can be done, this is the group that can do it. This is a great group of athletes and they seem to be rising to all occasions. It’s going to be a tough match."
If the boys lost versus LaGrange, their season ends. If they won, they will play Friday versus the winner of the Flowery Branch (Region 7 champs out of Atlanta and third in the state) versus Sandy Creek (ranked fourth place in Region 6).
If the girls lost versus Columbus, their season ends. If they won, they will play Friday versus the winner of the Westminster (ranked second in the state) versus Cartersville game.