Wednesday night saw two local boys soccer teams crack the final eight in their classifications with second round wins. Several local teams saw their seasons end in close second round match-ups and will now look ahead to the 2024 season.

5A

River Bluff

The River Bluff Gators shocked the state Wednesday night by traveling to Region VI champion Wando and shutting them out 3-0 to advance to the state quarterfinal round. 

JJ Burns got the scoring started early in the first half with a breakaway goal in the 14th minute to set the tone for the game. The Gators were able to tack on another goal six minutes later when Connor Banchero scored on the rebound from another Burns shot to put River Bluff up 2-0. The Gators took the 2-0 lead to the halftime break.

In the second half, an Owen Deer goal at the 68th minute played as the final nail in the Wando coffin.

“I am so proud of the focus, quality, determination and leadership this team is showing in these 5A playoffs. Having to travel every round is not easy, but this team seems to have exactly what it takes to do that and take care of business on the road,” River Bluff Head Coach Philip Savitz said emphatically after the game.

Since the Gators finished last in a three-way tie breaker for the region title with Chapin and Lexington, they have been forced to play every playoff game on the road despite being crowned a co-region champion. 

The win at Wando now sets up the Gators for a quarterfinal showdown at region VII champion Ashley Ridge on Friday. 

Lexington

The Wildcats' season came to a heartbreaking end Wednesday night with a 3-2 double overtime home loss to Clover.

The Wildcats took an overtime lead when Franklin Spires took advantage of a penalty kick to go up 2-1. However, two Clover goals in the ensuing overtime periods proved to be too much as Lexington’s 2023 season came to a close.

With the loss, Lexington ended the season with a final record of 19-4-2 and shared a region championship with River Bluff and Chapin.

Chapin 

Like Lexington, the Chapin Eagles’ season ended with a close, 3-2 home loss. However, Chapin’s loss came against Stall, which finished second in Region VII.

Chapin’s season ended with a final record of 17-4 and a shared region championship with Lexington and River Bluff. 

4A

Irmo

A successful season of Irmo Yellow Jacket boys soccer came to an end Wednesday night against James Island by a score of 6-0.

James Island evenly split up its six goals into three in each half. James Island also took advantage of rebounds and corner kicks to help manufacture their goals as well as hold a dominant 17-5 advantage in shots attempted.

The work to get to the missed shots was a big factor in deciding the game according to Irmo Head Coach Matt McCloghry.

“They out worked us and were just a step quicker to loose balls,” McCloghry said after the game. “We had some early chances to score but failed to capitalize and just didn’t defend well enough in key moments.”

Despite the loss, McCloghry is optimistic about the future of Yellow Jacket soccer.

“Overall, it was a good season. We had a home playoff game for the first time since 2015 and we only graduate three seniors. I’m already excited about next year,” he added.

The three seniors that are departing are Osita Anadu, Michael Lima and Kei Blu So.

Irmo ended the season with an 11-10 record, which was the school’s best record in eight years. 

2A

Gray Collegiate Academy

The Gray Collegiate Academy Eagles advanced to the 2A state quarterfinals Wednesday night with a convincing 5-0 win over Columbia. 

The Eagles got goals from Brysin Gilbert, Brock McClarrie, Ben Richards, Landon Butler and Noah Mitchell.

Gray will play 11-10 Saluda in the quarterfinal round on Friday.

Batesburg-Leesville

The Panthers fell in the second round of the state playoffs Wednesday night when they lost to Greer Middle College 3-2.

Batesburg-Leesville finished the season 12-5 and tied for first in Region III-2A.