Traveling to Mabank High School to compete against Jacksonville in the second round of the playoffs Tuesday, the boys’ soccer team unexpectedly found themselves on the pitch for longer than usual.
With the score tied 4-4 at the end of extra time, the two teams proceeded to exchange a series of five penalty shootout kicks. Making four of theirs compared to the Fightin’ Indians’ two, the Redhawks ultimately walked away victorious.
“It was very tiring,” assistant coach Kyle Parks said. “Towards the end of things, that’s where it really showed in our game and how they were able to score more on us. We also have to focus on not getting as many stupid yellow cards, because that’s how we ended up in the situation we did with some of our players ejected.”
Senior attacking midfielder Brandon Braueninger, who scored one goal for the Redhawks, said a strong mentality is important in the playoffs.
“It’s the smallest details that can make the biggest difference, especially in the playoffs,” Braueninger said. “If we want to continue, we have to be at the top of our craft.”
