The Savannah Country Day boys soccer team has been near the top of the Class 3A state rankings all season as coach Michael Hinker's team excelled in all facets of the game.
The latest win was a big one for the Hornets, who were on their way to defeating Benedictine 3-1 in a crosstown matchup with local bragging rights at stake. With this win, SCD improved to 12-0 on the season.
“So far, we've continued to have good rounds,” Hinker said after the win at BC. “In a rivalry game, we were a little hesitant and got taken out of the game by our opponents early on. But as the game progressed, we found where the space was and started executing. Ta.”
On Tuesday, Wesley Hooker assisted on John Morgan Peters' goal in the first half to give the Hornets the lead. After BC scored the equalizer early in the second half, SCD regained the lead when Madden Gerlach converted the penalty after Peters was brought down inside the penalty area. Aton Herrin delivered a nice cross to Hooker late in the game, who converted it from close range to put the Hornets up 3-1.
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Gerlach is a team captain and a standout center back known for his patient approach.
“I try not to think about what's happening in the moment, but what's going to happen beyond the play,” Gerlach said. “I think we've gotten a lot better in possession this year with short passes, through balls and crosses. We just have to keep working hard because we know we're going to have a skilled, athletic team in the playoffs.”
For SCD senior striker Aton Herrin, the rivalry with BC was a family affair, as he was set to face a Cadets team that included his younger brother, sophomore Asher Herrin.
“I'm trying to be on my brother's side going into this game,” Asson Herrin said with a laugh. “But this game is really competitive because we've all grown up playing together and you always want to do your best and beat your guys. It can make you feel a little sick sometimes. Yes, but it was nice to get some revenge after they won.''We were last year. ”
It was another impressive performance from Hooker, who was all over the field during the game. He signed on Wednesday to play at Pfeiffer University, a Division III program in North Carolina.
“I'm excited about the challenge of playing in college, but right now I'm focused on the team,” Hooker said. “I think I've improved this year because I've been playing better with my teammates. Last year I was too selfish, but now I'm going back and forth and attacking my teammates and it's working for me.”
The Hornets, who competed in Class 3A last year, advanced to the state quarterfinals, losing 2-1 to Hebron Christian. The year before, they lost to Providence Christian in the second round of the Class A private playoffs. Three years ago, SCD made it to the Elite Eight again before losing to Atlanta International. SCD is currently ranked third among Class 3A teams in the state by Score Atlanta, behind No. 1 Hebron Christian and Oconee County.
Coach Hinker said this team had a special bond that created such teamwork.
“A lot of it comes down to the fact that they just want to have fun,” Hinker said. “They really enjoy just being out there, whether it's in practice or in games. What's different about this team this year is that they're really trying to showcase each other.”
Hooker believes the team's chemistry could lead to a playoff berth.
“I think we're strong at every position. We don't have any weaknesses and we have a chance to win state,” Hooker said. “If we play as a team, I think we can beat any team in Georgia.”
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact us at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
