By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@thecitizennews.com

Fayette County's soccer dominance has been reported everywhere this week, but it should come as no surprise to local residents.

The five Fayette County high school soccer teams that entered the state playoffs last week have all reached the semi-finals and have a legitimate shot at state championships.

The McIntosh Lady Chiefs, ranked number one in the state and number one in the nation in the National Soccer Coaches of America Association poll, defeated Liberty County last Friday 15-0. The Lady Chiefs have won both matches in the state playoffs by that score and look as dominant as ever.

In Friday's game, goal scorers included Julie Herdic scoring four goals, Keri Pendergrass scoring three, Dana Van Winkle scoring two and Lauren Kopec and Brittany Jones scoring one goal apiece. The Lady Chiefs host Parkview at 7 p.m tonight.

The McIntosh boys continued their march to the finals with a 5-1 win over Colquitt County last Friday. Dave Hogan and Matt Clements each netted one goal in the first half to give the Chiefs a 2-1 edge at halftime. McIntosh then proceeded to dominate the flow of the game, both offensively and defensively. Rob Nacke, Nick Corley and Matt Clements each had a goal in the second half to secure the win. The Chiefs hosted Clarke Central last night.

Starr's Mill's boys made the semifinals by beating Statesboro 1-0. Though the Panthers had numerous scoring opportunities, only Brandon Henry found the back of the net. The Panthers had 24 shots in the game and must capitalize on the scoring chances they get. The Panthers hosted Central Gwinnett last night.

The Lady Panthers also had a 1-0 win over the weekend as they defeated Heritage Saturday night. Kacy Mureay scored the goal approximately 20 minutes into the match. The Lady Panthers then buckled down and played the solid defense they have played all year. Starr's Mill's girls have produced 14 shutouts in 17 games this season. Starr's Mill, also receiving votes in the NSCAA Top 20 poll, will play North Gwinnett tonight at 7 p.m.

The Fayette County Lady Tigers survived a scare Saturday to advance to the semifinals. The lady Tigers hosted Wayne County and dominated them for a majority of the game. The two teams entered the half in a scoreless tie. The tie was broken two and a half minutes into the second half, when Lauren Fetter scored off an assist by Mandy Kovach. Wayne County tied the game with less than three minutes remaining, forcing an overtime.

Both teams went scoreless in the first overtime period and with less than two minutes remaining Faith Joslin kicked in a rebound off the post and secured the win for the Lady Tigers. Fayette County will play at Pope tonight at 7 p.m.

Please head out to the stadiums to support these teams. The crowds have been rather small for the state playoffs. It is important for the local fans to be louder than the group of parents riding up to support the opposing team. Assuming all five teams advance, the state soccer finals will be at McIntosh and Starr's Mill this Saturday.

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