Typically a regular-season finale loss would be disappointing for most coaches, however, Sumrall head coach Todd Siders knew heading into the regular-season finale that staying healthy was the most most important thing before Tuesday night’s first-round matchup in the 4A soccer playoffs.
“We came into this game intending to get out of here healthy. None of our girls that normally start played today. Some of the girls who haven’t had a chance to play much, I wanted to give them some touches and minutes, and they did some good things. They still have some work to do, but Northeast Jones is very young, but they have a bright future as well as they are coached. Today was just about ending the regular season and moving on to Tuesday to get ready for the playoffs,” said Siders.
The Lady Tigers defeated the Lady Bobcats 6-0 with goals from Isabella Harrison and Chloe Ward in the first half of action to put Northeast Jones up 2-0. Northeast Jones poured it on in the second half as Lexi Walters, Danielle Flynt, Breanna Tolbert, and Sophie Thatch to finish their season 10-10-1 overall.
Northeast Jones’ guys also came away with a victory to end the season as they defeated Sumrall 4-2 darting out in the first half to a 4-0 lead. Goals from Alex Gonzalez, Tanner Manning, Ethan Davis, and DJ Allred gave the Tigers a comfortable lead. Sumrall cut the lead in half near the end with goals from seniors Benson Trussell and Ryan Miller but it was not enough. The Tigers finish their season 13-8 overall in Region 5-4A.
“It is a tale of two emotions for me. For the boys, it was frustrating and a long season. Some tough breaks, but we won our district and expected to do that, even though we can’t go to the playoffs on the boy’s side. This is my last year coaching the boys. I’m stepping down after the season. You have that emotion and wanting the best for them of course. For the girls, we have had a spectacular year. They have played well and developed throughout the year. We’ve had middle school girls that started for us, but the chemistry is getting there. They all love each other and are playing well, so that is what you want to see,” explained Siders about the emotions of dealing with both teams.
Sumrall expects to have a tough round one playoff matchup as they play host to Richland in a rematch next Tuesday night. Sumrall won the last meeting 2-0, but Siders believes that the Rangers will come in well prepared.
“They have a really good coach who knows how to prepare them well. They are organized and that makes them hard to score on. We played them earlier in the season and I believe we have both gotten better, so I expect a dynamite game.”
The Sumrall boys finished their regular season 8-12-2 overall and 6-0 in district play. The Sumrall girls wrap up their regular season 17-2-4 overall with a 6-0 record in district play also.
