One of the hottest teams entering the Class AAAA state playoffs is the McIntosh Lady Chiefs, who had won nine consecutive games before playing Northside, Warner Robins.

McIntosh extended its winning streak Wednesday with an 8-0 victory over visiting Northside.

Here is a scary thought for McIntosh’s next opponent — Lady Chiefs coach Marcia Clark feels her team still needs to improve in certain areas.

“We were dominant ... but I would have liked to have seen us play a little prettier as far as movement off the ball, as far as intensity, as far as playing every ball as seriously as we could,” Clark said. “We need to play the way we can play no matter who we’re playing.”

Bethany Austin paced McIntosh’s offense with a hat trick, including the Lady Chiefs’ first two goals — the first on a blast from the top of the box that sailed high into the net, the second off a cross in the goal box from Hannah Rector — in the opening 10 minutes.

Austin’s three goals were a single-game season high for her.

The game could have concluded once the first 10 minutes were completed, as Northside played on its heels the entire way. But the Lady Chiefs showed no mercy, piling on the goals.

McIntosh scored twice more in the first half to take a commanding 4-0 lead.

KC Hewitt found an opening among a host of players parked in front of the net and headed home Olivia Tucker’s free kick from about 30 yards out.

Kerri Reid capped the first half scoring by booting a free kick from about 10 yards outside the goal box into the net.

The second half was more of the same for the red-hot Lady Chiefs, who continuously bombarded Northside’s net with shots.

Austin completed her hat trick by reaching a rebound in the box off a shot by Reid that slammed off the goalkeeper’s hands and placing it into the goal.

Goals by Jessalyn Moore, Tucker and Emily Husted completed the blowout for McIntosh.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of McIntosh’s winning streak has been its defensive play. McIntosh has allowed only two goals during its winning streak, which includes victories over two state-ranked teams that are currently in the playoffs, sixth-ranked Whitewater and seventh-ranked Woodward Academy.

McIntosh will play the winner of Thomas County Central-Glynn Academy at home next Wednesday.

Fourth-ranked Starr’s Mill and Whitewater also walked away with wins in the first round of the playoffs.

Starr’s Mill pounded Dutchtown 8-0, and Whitewater whipped Griffin 9-0.

Starr's Mill's scoring attack was led by Carlie Banks (three goals, one assist), Mandy McCalla (three goals), Bailey Ragan (one goal) and Katrina Frost (one goal).

Laura McCalla had two assists for the Lady Panthers.

"The team played pretty well," Starr's Mill coach Deanise Myers said. "We controlled the game and kept possession well. But we still need to pick up the pace a little and get better and better each game we play."

In its victory, Whitewater was led by Brittany Vining (two goals), Holly Crawford (two goals), Courtney Reddig (two goals), Feagan Hunt (one goal), Erin Emerson (one goal) and Jade Ah-low (one goal).

Caitlin Beale, Jewelia Strickland and Emily Culbreth each had an assist for the Lady Wildcats.

"The game went very well last night," said Whitewater coach Heather Allen, who added, "It took us awhile to finally get a goal. We had several chances in the first several chances and just could not finish."

Next Wednesday, Starr’s Mill will play at Lakeside Evans, and Whitewater will play at Lee County.

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