The Athens Drive Jaguars headed into the first two play-off games with couple disadvantages: one of the top scorers, Jay Cohn, is out for all games because of a broken thumb; while one of the top defenders, Webb Linton, missed the second playoff game due to a concussion. But that didn't stop the Jags from bringing the heat!
The first playoff game was at home versus the Millbrook Wildcats (Weds, May 1), which they won 14-6. Tyler Fields, Caleb Deak and Brower Evenhouse led the scoring with 3 goals each (Tyler also had 2 assists while Caleb and Brower each had 1). Zander Adkins had 2 goals and 4 assists, Harrison Baublitz and Jack Dancjek each had 1 goal, and Wes Cohn had 1 goal + 2 assists. Defensively, Wes also had 9 ground balls and 8 caused turnovers.
Defense remained strong with Owen Honnold having 4 caused turnovers and Isaiah Beardsley having 3 ground balls and 2 caused turnovers. Caleb also had 6 ground balls and 2 caused turnovers while Harrison had 4 ground balls. Liam Craig went toe-to-toe with one of the best faceoff players in the area, achieving a 52.2% win percentage. Goalkeeper Cali had 13 saves for a 72.2% save percentage -- passing the 400 career saves mark and breaking a new school record!
On Friday, May 3rd, the Jags took on the Pinecrest Patriots in another nail-biter of a game. If you want to know what resilience and grit looks like -- look no further than the Jags! The Patriots may have been ranked higher, but that didn't stop the Jags from rolling past them with an 11-10 final score. Even with a bum ankle, Tyler locked in 4 goals (and 2 assists). Caleb said "I see you, Tyler" and also scored 4 goals. Zander decided to contribute with 2 goals and an assist, while Harrison said "Here's another goal to add to the mix ... take that Patriots!" Brower and Wes had 1 assist each, and Jack had 3 assists. (NOTE:quotes are not real and are entirely made up by the author)
The Jags said "this is our night!" on defense, with Liam owning the faceoff dot and winning 18 out of 24 faceoffs for a 75% win percentage. This put him well past his 600 career wins milestone. Liam also had 9 ground balls. Jack kept the Pats on their toes by locking in an incredible 11 ground balls. Wes, Brower and Caleb were critical in helping the offense keep possession of the ball: Wes had 9 ground balls and 4 caused turnovers; Brower had 7 ground balls; and Caleb had 5 ground balls.
The Jags will take on the Heritage Huskies on their turf on Tuesday, May 7th for the 3rd playoff game (for past reference: they lost to the Huskies on April 4th, 14-12). It is sure to be another intense game but no doubt the Jags will fight hard to continue on to the 4th playoff game happening Friday, May 10. Webb is expected to be able to play (fingers crossed).
Congrats to Liam and Cali for continuing to surpass their career milestones! LET'S GO, JAGS!
Comments