By Terry Carter,
In many sports, the hunter has the advantage and nothing to lose.
In District 19-6A boys’ soccer, returning state qualifier Seven Lakes (18-1-1, 12-0-1) holds the honor of first place in this 9-team league.
The Spartans are the proven leader, which means five teams are in hot pursuit of the once-beaten Spartans.
A Class 5A powerhouse last year, now 6A playoff contender Paetow (12-1-4, 9-1-3) has dropped only a 2-0 decision to Seven Lakes this season. The Panthers sit second to Seven Lakes so far. However district ties to Cinco Ranch (9-4-5), 7-2-5) and Mayde Creek (3-14-2, 1-11-2) has muddied the water a bit as district play winds down soon.
Entering this week, the frontrunners for the playoffs are:
- Seven Lakes (12-0-1), 40 goals, 4 against
- Paetow (9-1-3), 39 goals, 10 against
- Cinco Ranch (7-2-5), 39 goals, 13 against
- Taylor (10-6-2, 7-5-1), 29 goals, 23 against
- Jordan (11-7-2, 7-5-1), 32 goals, 18 against
- Tompkins (10-6-3, 6-5-2), 27 goals, 27 against
Only four will advance to the postseason, but the boys’ teams are highly motivated and engaged as the regular season concludes by March 21. As usual Deer Park ISD’s Abshire Stadium will host the Region III-6A soccer tournaments, but it is a long road to the regional tournaments.
And Tuesday’s matchups on the pitch will be pivotal to the chase for the league championship.
- The biggest matchup on Tuesday is a 7:15 p.m. start at Paetow between the host Panthers and Seven Lakes. After a 1-1 tie with Jordan on Friday, the Spartans will be looking to unleash their offensive assault on the net guarded by Paetow. After that the Spartans close the district race with Katy on March 10 and at Cinco Ranch next Monday. Coming off a 1-1 tie with third-place Cinco Ranch, Paetow will be pushing for a win to close the gap for the district title.
- On Tuesday Cinco Ranch’s will play at Katy (2-13-2, 1-11-1) in another 7:15 start. The Cougars then close on March 20 against Seven Lakes, which could easily tighten the race for the playoffs.
- Jordan vs. Taylor will tangle in a key battle of fourth-place soccer teams with identical district records. That special contest will be held at Rhodes Stadium at 7:15 p.m.
- And Tompkins will play at Mayde Creek in another 7:15 start.
