By Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
Class 6A Soccer: Stanhope Elmore Defeats Pike Road
The Stanhope Elmore Mustangs boys soccer team advanced to the Class 6A quarterfinals with a thrilling win over Pike Road on Monday night that went down to penalty kicks after ending in a 4-4 tie following regulation and overtime. In one of the wildest games of the year, fans saw eight goals scored, eight yellow cards handed out, three lead changes, two goal celebratory shirtless muscle flexes in front of the opposing teams’ fans, a game-tying goal with three minutes remaining, a scoreless overtime period, penalty kicks, and students rushing the field at the end.
The electric atmosphere was one of the best of the year. “The environment for our 2nd round playoff game was simply amazing,” said Head Coach Richie Beyer. “To have the opportunity to play a playoff game in our stadium was tremendous on its own, but for our fans and our support team to be able to help keep the atmosphere so energized just helped fuel our players.”
With the score tied at 2 at half, Jay Myers scored early in the 2nd half to give the Mustangs a 3-2 lead, but Pike Road scored the next two and led 4-3 in the waning minutes until Thomas Richardson found the back of the net for the tying score.
“The game tying goal at the end of regulation was great resiliency from our team,” said Coach Beyer. “They knew the pressure was on and executed. Still working on handling the emotion and excitement and luckily didn’t cost us after the goal was scored, but we have to ensure we keep our composure throughout every moment of the contest.”
After two scoreless five-minute overtime periods, the game was decided on penalty kicks. Richardson, Gustavo Resendez, and Jake Graham scored for the Mustangs as they won 3-1 on PKs.
“We have been training for the moments at the end of regulation since last year’s first area game with Wetumpka when we lost in a shootout. We finish practice almost every day with penalties to sharpen our players’ focus and skill. I have all the confidence in our keepers and our players to execute when it comes down to that type pressure situation.”
With the win, the Mustangs advance to the Elite Eight for only the second time in school history, but to get to the Final Four, the Mustangs will have to win at Spanish Fort. The Toros finished the regular season ranked #4 in Class 6A with a record of 19-3-4. They advanced to the Class 6A state championship game last year. SEHS will have a sendoff for the team Friday around 1 p.m. with a police escort to the interstate. Come help wish the team the best of luck.
“Spanish Fort is a great team and will be a formidable opponent on Friday. We will have to play great team soccer to have a chance to advance to Huntsville,” said Coach Beyer.
Class 7A Soccer: Prattville Defeats Hoover
The Prattville Lions boys soccer team hosted Hoover in the Class 7A playoffs at the 17 Springs Stadium in Millbrook, with the winner advancing to the quarterfinals. A large crowd filled the stadium to watch two of the most talented teams in the entire state. The Buccaneers, ranked #2 in Class 7A, the largest classification in the state, were 18-2-1 in the season heading into the game, with their only two losses coming against Class 7A #1 Oak Mountain.
The 1st half was tightly contested with Hoover scoring in the final minute before halftime. But Prattville’s Been Green tied the game midway through the 2nd half, and Richard Byard had the go-ahead goal for the Lions as they held on for a 2-1 win. The Lions featured an impressive defensive performance that limited any significant Hoover scoring opportunities.
“I was very proud of my players and happy for them,” said Prattville Head Coach Trevor Ledkins. “They put in a lot of hard work and dedication that led to the win. The mindset and the resiliency was big for us to be able to come back from down a goal against Hoover and win 2-1.”
After defeating the #2 ranked team in Hoover, the Lions will now have to travel to Oak Mountain and win for a chance to move on to the Class 7A Final Four. The Eagles have reached something of a legendary status in the state, having won the Class 7A state championship last year with a record of 29-0-1. The current Oak Mountain team is 28-0 and ranked #1 in the nation in Max Preps, and #5 in the nation by United Soccer Coaches.
Prattville will attempt to end Oak Mountain’s astounding two-year, 58 game unbeaten streak on Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at Oak Mountain.
“We are excited for the opportunity to play Oak Mountain in the 2nd round,” said Coach Ledkins. “Oak Mountain has a great home field environment. Our players have to embrace it and allow it to motivate them as well. With the senior leadership I know that my players will be prepared and ready for this opportunity.”
