Special to the MDN – The Swain High Men’s Soccer team traveled to Mountain Heritage on Wednesday night for the second round of the NCHSAA Playoffs. In the regular season Mountain Heritage took a 3-2 win over the Devils. Just 4 minutes into the game the Devils would score the first goal of the game when Senior Levi Trantham would send the ball down the right side of the field up to Junior Landon Matz who would dribble up and score a goal. Four minutes later Sophomore Owen Craig would steal the ball from a Mountain Heritage defender and score a goal. With 13 minutes left in the first half Freshman Max Wilmot would find Matz for his second goal of the game. The Devils would finish the half up 3-0.
In the second half both teams would play strong defense. With 18 minutes left in the game the Cougars would score their one and only goal of the game. The Devils would take the 3-1 win and advance to the 3rd round of the playoffs and be one of the final 16 teams left in the playoffs. This would be the first time the Swain High Men’s soccer team would advance this far in the playoffs. “Our players came in ready to play. We knew we were missing players the last time we played and were excited for the rematch.” said Head Coach Scott Cline.
On Defense Senior Lucas Trantham led the way with 18 Clears/Steals. He was followed by Senior Levi Trantham and Senior Taligwo Walker each with 13, Junior Canon Helpman with 11 and Freshman Brendan Lanning with 8. In goal Junior Cameron Phillips recorded 18 Goalkeeper Saves. The Player of the Game for the Devils was Junior Cameron Phillips. “Cameron did a great job in goal. He had some amazing saves throughout the game.” said Cline.