MORGAN COUNTY
After being crowned region champions over Harlem, Morgan County boys soccer (7-5-2, 7-1 Region 4-AAA) dropped its last two matches of the regular season last week to Clarke Central and Ola.
However, the Bulldogs are still in a good place as they head into the state playoffs next week as a No. 1 seed. On Tuesday, Clarke Central upended Morgan County 5-1 as it scored four goals in the second half.
Bulldogs’ head coach Aaron Paul said before the contest that CCHS is one of the best teams in the state.
“I would say they are the best in Class AAAAA, but I also dare say, they’re the best team in the state in any classification,” Paul stated. “So, we’re going to have our work cut out for us tonight.”
The Gladiators got ahead 1-0 early in the match, but the Bulldogs answered later in the half to tie it up.
Morgan County’s scoring leader, senior Scott Chamberlain, netted the team’s only goal of the night. The Gladiators’ second-half effort willed them to victory as it was a very physical match for both squads.
In the regular season finale, Ola, which is another Class AAAAA team, defeated the Bulldogs, 3-1. The Mustangs controlled the tempo in the first half and scored three goals on keeper Blake Downs.
Morgan County could never find a rhythm offensively, but freshman Brandon Lopez was able to net a goal.
Despite the losses, Paul still believes his team can succeed and go far into the Class AAA state playoffs.
“I think we’re an Elite Eight team, and our goal this year is to make it past the second round,” Paul said last week. “I believe we’ve got a great shot at doing that and going further than we did last season.”
Morgan County is set to host a first-round playoff game on Wednesday, April 12. The Bulldogs are a No. 1 seed entering the state playoffs and will face off against the No. 4 seed from Region 3.