IN a must-win situation, the Jackson County boys’ soccer team proved it could handle a contest with huge post-season implications.
The Panthers (6-5-1) clinched a berth in the region playoffs and assured themselves of finishing no worse than a .500 finish with a clutch 2-1 victory over Oglethorpe County Thursday night. With a 4-2 subregion record, Jackson County faces Dawson County (8-5) April 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the first round of the Region 8-AA tournament.
“It was another close win,” coach Joseph Brubaker said. “I am proud of the guys, and how they worked all year to achieve what they did (Thursday) is quite an accomplishment.”
The win wasn’t optional. Had Jackson County lost, it would have been shutout of the Region 8-AA postseason. Miguel Guereca and Fernando Razo made sure that didn’t happen, providing the goals for Jackson County, which led 1-0 before Oglethorpe County tied the game at one.
“We had guys stepping up all night as the momentum shifted and Oglethorpe tied it up at one,” Brubaker said. “To fight back and win feels great.”
With the victory, Jackson County finished second in the subregion behind Class AA’s no. 3 ranked squad, North Oconee.
