EAST JACKSON went toe-to-toe with Class AA’s no. 4 team for 79 minutes and 55 seconds Friday night in the Region 8-AA semifinals. But a goal with five seconds left from East Hall denied the Eagles the biggest win in program history.
With the 1-0 loss, East Jackson (8-8) will play Dawson County Tuesday for third-place in 8-AA. The Eagles have already clinched a spot at state.
“East Hall is a very strong program and there's certainly no shame in that score line,” East Jackson coach Chris Cooley said. “In fact, once our boys had got over the initial heartbreak, they were really very upbeat on the drive home. However it is disappointing to have played so well and held an even game, only to lose in the dying seconds.”
East Hall came into the game sporting its top 10 ranking and an 11-2-1 record. Cooley said his team’s strategy was to pressure and defend solidly as a unit and then move the ball forward quickly to counterattack.
“We played an exceptional game to prevent them from scoring, with solid defense across the field all the way through the 80 minutes,” Cooley said. “We gave them some space in the last few minutes by not pressuring effectively in the defensive third, and allowed a heartbreaking goal.”
Cooley said the play of Jonathan Zarco “who did a great job winning the ball and setting up a quick pass counter-attack” was particularly noteworthy. He also pointed to Luis Ponce, at center mid, “who pressured hard throughout the whole game and consistently played the same quick pass counter.”
While losing was certainly disappointing, Cooley said this is the type of game that will only strengthen his team.
“I feel this was one of our best performances of the season and that will help us build momentum going into the final playoff game against Dawson on Tuesday and state competition,” he said. “If we continue to play as we did (Friday), our boys will play their best games when they count.”
