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Oglethorpe County's Sergio Alio dribbles away from a Valdosta defender in a 2-1 loss to the Wildcats on April 5. The Patriots rebounded from the loss with a 2-0 win over Jasper County on Monday night. (Photo/Owen Warden) -
Oglethorpe County goalie Bailey Abrams dives on the ball to stop a Valdosta scoring threat in the Patriots’ 2-1 loss on April 5. OCHS can clinch the region’s top seed with a win over Jasper County on Thursday. (Photo/Owen Warden)
The Region 5-A Division I boys soccer title will come down to Oglethorpe County’s final regular-season game on Thursday, April 11, when the Patriots host Jasper County.
“We just need to win and keep them from scoring,” head coach Erich Forschler said.
Sophomore Sergio Alio and junior Bryan Berrios’ goals were the difference in the Patriots’ 2-0 win at Jasper County in the first matchup on April 8. To win the region, the Patriots will need a similar outcome in the second game.
If the Patriots win, and hold Jasper County to less than three goals, they’ll clinch their second straight region title. The Patriots would hold the tiebreaker over Social Circle, each finishing 5-1.
With a guaranteed state playoff appearance, the Patriots (8-5, 4-1) have more to play for than just the region title this season.
“I want (them) to win the region title if (they) want it, but my focus is on us getting better every chance that we’re together,” Forschler said. “So when those playoffs roll around, we’re ready to go.”
Forschler said he understands the playoffs will be an elevated level of competition.
“We’re getting there, but we’re not quite at cruising altitude yet,” Forschler said.
The Patriots are led in scoring by Miguel Rios, who has nine goals, followed by Henry Hernandez, who has four. Hernandez also leads the team in assists.
The first round of the Class A Division I State Soccer Tournament will be on April 17, with the Patriots’ opponent still to be determined.
“They can beat any team they play; I’m totally convinced of that,” Forschler said.