FLOWERY BRANCH — The Cherokee Bluff boys soccer team's 6-1 win over LaFayette in the first round of the Class 3A state playoffs at home on Wednesday night made history.
It was the Bears' first-ever playoff win, making it a clean sweep for both the Lady Bears and Bears into the second round of the playoffs.
"It's a great win," Bluff coach Heath Padgett said. "It's the first one in school history -- first time making it to the state playoffs. We've accomplished what we've set out to do, but I don't think we're finished yet."
The eighth-ranked Bears (8-8-1, Region 7-3A No. 2 seed) will travel to No. 1 seed and top-ranked Westminister on Tuesday.
"We'll get No. 1 Westminster," Padgett said. "We're going in as an underdog, we like that position, so we're ready to take on the challenge. If we show up and we play, we're a very good team and very tough to beat."
On Wednesday, Garrett Wayne and Steven Schmidt were hard to slow down. The duo scored two goals each to lead the Bears' offensive output. Armando Torres and Danny Alquicira pitched in one goal each, while the Bears' defense was on lockdown.
"Our defense held strong all night led by an all-senior cast of Josue Gamez, Geovanny Chavez, Jesus Rivera, Christian Guzman and goalkeeper Ty Ellis. Harrison Carter and Adrian Campa were facilitators from the middle. It was a great team win for the Bears."
