Habersham Central’s boys and girls soccer teams are among 16 local teams to make this year’s state playoffs. For many, it will be a one-and-done. For others, a deep playoff run that will result in a legitimate shot at a state title.
Here are your first round previews.
CLASS 6A
Habersham Central Raiders vs South Paulding
The Raiders (12-3-2) earned an opening playoff home game for the first time since 2011, which is also the last time the Raiders won more than this season’s 12 games. They had 16 that year and advanced to the state semifinals.
Habersham faces South Paulding (2-9), a #3-seed out of Region 5-AAAAAA. South Paulding has allowed 29 goals against just 16 scored. The Raiders stand a great chance to cruise into the Sweet 16, though nothing is a given. Habersham has 43 goals scored and 29 allowed.
WHEN? Friday, April 26 / 7 PM
Habersham Central Lady Raiders @ Alexander
The Lady Raiders (6-9) earned a playoff spot for the second time in three years, and open as the 4-seed at #1-seed Alexander (12-5-1). Alexander is riding an 8-game win streak coming in, and has a jaw-dropping 74 goals on the season. They can score in bunches, tallying 6-plus goals on seven separate occasions. With 19 goals against, their defense is very good as well, and they’ve pitched eight shutouts this season.
The Region 5-AAAAAA champs will be the toughest yet for Habersham, who comes in as winners of three of the last four, and have scored 33 goals this season. However, the defense has allowed 38.
WHEN? Thursday, April 25 / Time TBA
Other area teams making the cut include Commerce, Dawson, Jefferson, Lumpkin, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, and White County.
FULL STORY & PLAYOFF SCHEDULE HERE
