For the first time in two years, the Redhawks boys’ is back in the playoffs, taking on Wakeland in the first round Tuesday at Independence.
“The guys know the game plan,” head coach Evan McGee said. “Guys know the way we want to play it and the shape we want to play. So yesterday, and the last couple days had been mostly about just getting the guys fresh, getting them feeling confident getting them, you know, plan crisp and clean.”
Wakeland walks into playoffs with a district record of 10-2 finishing at the top of the District 9-5A table. Known as a soccer powerhouse, Wakeland was crowned the 5A state champions of the 2021-2022 season.
“We aren’t nervous,” senior Aaron Xu said. “We’ve been preparing all year for games like this and we’re more than ready to take them on. Regardless of their reputation, to us, it’s just another game to play hard in, come out with a win, and have a good time.”
Many players on the Redhawks roster also participate in club soccer outside of school. One of the major club tournaments, the Dallas Cup, is happening this week with games starting on Sunday and continuing on all school week. Junior Lucas Godoy has already played a few games this week, but he believes it won’t affect tonight’s match up.
“It’s definitely a challenge having so many games in such a few days, but we have to take care of our bodies,” Godoy said. “And also know that the other teams are gonna be affected by [the tournament] too.”
