The Islands High School Sharks (14-9) lost to the Jefferson High School Dragons (13-6) from Area 8 in yesterday's Elite Eight round of the Georgia High School Association Class AAA soccer playoffs. Area 8 is a highly competitive region, boasting two teams that have advanced to the GHSA Class 3A Final Four. According to Scorebord.com, Oconee County is the top-ranked team.
PHOTO: Islands senior Evan Narvaez (#11) rises up for a header against a Jefferson defender during action in the GHSA Elite Eight. Courtesy Magnolia Manor Creations Photography
Islands entered the game as the 6th-ranked team in Class 3A, while Jefferson was the 8th-ranked team. Jefferson lost to Oconee County back in March 1-0. Islands proved it was worthy of being on the same field as Jefferson.
PHOTO: Islands' JJ Stien (#7) fights through a Jefferson defender during a physical match in the GHSA Elite Eight. Courtesy Magnolia Manor Creations Photography
After a scoreless first half, Jefferson's Aidan Trammell went bar-down to score the game's lone goal two minutes into the second half. Jefferson would hold off a late onslaught to shut the Islands out 1-0.
"We had good shots by multiple guys, just couldn't find the back of the net," said the Islands' Head Coach Justin Brantley. "Evan Narvaez (senior) and Tao Harlan (sophomore) both had good chances at the end of the game to hopefully tie it up, but their keeper saved them."
PHOTO: Islands sophomore Tao Harlan (#19) shoots on goal during a late scoring chance in the GHSA Elite Eight. His shot was one of several saved by Jefferson's keeper. Courtesy Magnolia Manor Creations Photography
The Sharks' loss ends their season, which included a GHSA Elite Eight appearance and a GHSA Class 3A Region 3 championship.
"Jefferson's got a very technical team and speedy players. Every single player on their team is just phenomenal," said Brantley. "We knew it was going to be a coin flip, and whoever finishes your chances wins, and unfortunately, we were on the losing side."
Sharks' goalie, senior Wilmer Martinez, was a bright spot in the game, saving seven out of eight shots he faced and breaking up many more corner kicks and cross-crease pass attempts. The senior has started three straight years for the Sharks, which included 37 wins.
PHOTO: Sharks' senior goalkeeper Wilmer Martinez launches a goal kick against Jefferson. Martinez was a bright spot in the GHSA Elite Eight loss, for the Sharks. Courtesy Magnolia Manor Creations Photography
"He had some vital saves today. He's played really, really well in net for us in the net all season long. He's an invaluable leader," Brantley said. "Without him in goal, it might've been a different game."
Next season, Islands will look to win their third straight region championship and make another deep run in the state playoffs.
"Every single year, you're hoping to build, you're hoping to take something from the losses and gain experience, leadership, and everything a team needs. Hopefully they remember this, build off of this, and continue to work their butts off in the weight room and in offseason workouts to get ready for next year," Brantley said.
| JEFFERSON 1, ISLANDS 0 | |||
| 1 | 2 | Final | |
| Jefferson | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Islands | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| RECORDS: Islands 14-9; Jeffferson 13-6 | |||
Photo Credits: Courtesy Magnolia Manor Creations Photography
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