First Presbyterian appears to be headed toward another state ring. This time, however, it’s not for basketball. The Highlanders boys soccer team beat out LaGrange at home Saturday, 5-4, to earn a spot at the final four.
They play Community Christian today at 7:30 p.m. in Macon.
According to coach Tom Sukaratana, the Highlanders played at Fort Stewart’s soccer field Saturday because the field at James Brown Park was flooded. He said his squad was up 5-2 at the half and he decided to empty the bench, giving every player an opportunity to play.
"Dario (Brown) scored two goals, Clark (Sukaratana), Steven Robinson and Brandon Standard also scored a goal apiece," the coach said.
Sukaratana said the Highlanders played Community Christian two years ago and won, getting them into the final four then. He said they are a good squad based out of Stockbridge.
"They are the No. 2 team from the West," he said. "We are the No. 1 team from the East."The Highlanders posted a 7-10 overall record and were undefeated (2-0) in region 2-AA of the Georgia Independent School Association.
According to the GISA coaches poll FPCA is ranked first with 19 points. Community Christian is third on the ranking with 11 points.
The coach said he feels confident but will ask his players to step up their defense and offense.
"We have not played to our full potential yet," he said. "This is when we really need to do our best to advance."
A win against Community Christian would place the Highlanders at the state finals scheduled to take place Saturday at 5:30 p.m. The place will be determined by the teams who place and the scoring system.