The second round of the state soccer playoffs concluded on Wednesday with three impressive results for northeast Georgia programs, as the Gainesville, Buford and East Hall boys each won through to the 'Elite Eight.'
(NOTE: For a complete round-up of Wednesday's second round scores and a quarterfinal schedule for area teams, simply scroll down.)
The Red Elephants pulled away from Glynn Academy in the second half of their Class AAAAAA battle, taking a 3-1 win at City Park. Gainesville will play host to Centennial on Saturday in its first state quarterfinal showdown since 2014.
Meanwhile, Buford and East Hall each won on the road Wednesday, with the Wolves prevailing in overtime, 3-1, at Class AAAAA foe South Effingham. Buford dominated in all phases, finally finding the killer touch in the extra frame. The Wolves will travel to Carrollton on Saturday.
The Vikings also left south Georgia victors, blistering Crisp County 6-1. East Hall will play host to Tatnall County on Saturday in the Class AAA bracket.
The road was not kind to all area teams, however, as Chestatee fell 3-1 at Richmond Academy in Class AAAA.
The state quarterfinals will get underway on Friday for the three girls teams that won second round games on Tuesday. Buford and Flowery Branch each reached the Class AAAAA third round, and the Lady Falcons play host to Starr's Mill. Buford, however, lost a coin flip and will trek to Veterans High in Warner Robins.
And, in Class AAAA, Jefferson heads to LaGrange.
STATE SOCCER PLAYOFFS SECOND ROUND
WEDNESDAY RESULTS
Class AAAAAA
Gainesville boys 3, Glynn Academy 1
Class AAAAA
Buford boys 3, South Effingham 1 OT
Class AAAA
Richmond Academy 3, Chestatee boys 1
Class AAA
East Hall boys 6, Crisp County 1
TUESDAY RESULTS
Class AAAAA
Buford girls 10, Locust Grove 0
Flowery Branch girls 9, Dutchtown 0
Class AAAA
Jefferson girls 3, Woodward Academy 0
Class A
First Presbyterian Day 3, Lakeview Academy girls 0
STATE QUARTERFINAL SCHEDULE
(Kickoff times provided where available)
FRIDAY
Class AAAAA
Buford girls at Veterans*, 6 p.m.
Starr's Mill at Flowery Branch girls, 5:30 p.m.
Class AAAA
Jefferson girls at LaGrange, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY
Class AAAAAA
Centennial at Gainesville boys, 7:30 p.m.
Class AAAAA
Buford boys at Carrollton, 7 p.m.
Class AAA
Tatnall County at East Hall boys*, 4:30 p.m.
* - Site determined by coin flip; Also note: Veterans plays at Freedom Field, not on campus.
