One of the state’s most decorated soccer coaches wrapped his 45-year career last week with a heartbreaking loss in the third round of the SCHSL 5A playoffs.

Phil Savitz finished his run as River Bluff’s head coach on May 3 after the Gators fell to Stratford 5-4 in penalty kicks.

Savitz ends his career as the winningest coach in state history. He finished with an 824-118-7 record and has the fifth most wins in the nation’s history. The coach won 15 state championships in his time and will go down as one of the best to ever do it.

The loss was a gut-wrenching end to a standout season at River Bluff. The Gators narrowly clinched the region championship and looked strong through its first two playoff games.

River Bluff started the postseason with an 8-0 blowout win over Goose Creek. Five different players scored including J.J Burns, Tripp Bryant and Killian Godfrey, who all had two goals each.

The Gators survived a thriller in round two against West Ashley, taking that game to penalties as well. But this time things went River Bluff’s way.

River Bluff and West Ashley were tied at two goals apiece before the shootout. The Gators won the penalty battle 3-2 to move on and face Stratford.

Lightning did not strike twice for the Gators in round three, and after going scoreless, the Gators and Stratford advanced to a shootout.

The teams exchanged goals until the score was tied at three makes. The Stratford goalie made his stop, leaving the match on the shoulders of his teammate. Daniel Martinez stepped up for Stratford and buried the ball in the net to clinch the win.

While it wasn’t the perfect ending, it was not a disappointment for Savitz who addressed his players one final time as their head coach.