Photo above: Beaufort Academy’s Jaxon Sprawling, center, watches as the ball goes into the goal during the first half of the SCISA Boys Class A playoff game against Christian Academy on Wednesday afternoon at BA’s Merritt Field. The Eagles won the match 5-0. Photo by Bob Sofaly.
By Steve LeMaster
Beaufort Academy is home to two more state championship teams.
The Beaufort Academy girls’ soccer team defeated familiar foe John Paul II 3-1 in the SCISA Class A girls’ soccer state championship game at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston on May 12.
The Beaufort Academy boys’ soccer team captured its fourth straight SCISA Class A state championship on May 12, outlasting Palmetto Christian 2-1 in overtime in the 2017 title game at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston.
The Eagles exited the 2017 season with a 13-6 record.
Palmetto Christian finished its latest campaign 11-6.
Beaufort Academy and Palmetto Christian ended regulation scoreless.
Sophomore Edward McCormick scored Beaufort Academy’s first goal with 7:30 remaining in overtime.
Freshman Thomas Holladay added another goal to push Beaufort Academy ahead 2-0 after in the extra period.
Veteran coach Bill Dalton guided the Eagles to the state title.
Beaufort Academy shut out Christian Academy of Myrtle Beach 5-0 in the semifinals of the state tournament.
To get to the finals, Beaufort Academy beat Christian Academy (Myrtle Beach) 5-0 in the SCISA Class A Boys’ Soccer State Semifinals on May 10.
The Eagles used a balanced offensive attack to shut out Christian Academy (Myrtle Beach). Ryan Muniz, Jaxon Spratling, Thomas Holladay, Dawson Coleman and Will Warren scored one goal apiece for the Beaufort Academy boys’ soccer team in the victory.
Defensively for Beaufort Academy, goalkeeper John Dastous recorded a shutout. The Beaufort Academy goalkeeper registered one save.
With the win, Beaufort Academy advanced to meet Palmetto Christian of Mt. Pleasant in the state championship game.
Additionally, Beaufort Academy’s Ryan Muniz was selected Region Player of the Year. The following BA soccer player’s were selected to the All-Region Team: David Mathai (sophomore), William Tumlin (freshman), Thomas Holladay (freshman).
Girls soccer
In the girls championship game, two players accounted for the Lady Eagles’ three goals. Senior Amanda Kahn netted two of Beaufort Academy’s three goals in the state championship-clinching victory.
Mary Keane scored Beaufort Academy’s other goal. Keane netted her goal prior to leaving the game with an injury.
John Paul II, a longtime rival for the Eagles, battled Beaufort Academy throughout the girls’ high school soccer match.
Veteran head coach Dave Byrne guided the Eagles to the 2017 state girls’ soccer championship. The Beaufort Academy girls’ soccer team claimed its first state title since 2013. In 17 seasons, Byrne has guided the Eagles to three state championships.
To make it to the championship game, Beaufort Academy blanked Conway Christian 7-0 in the semifinals of the SCISA Class A Girls’ Soccer Soccer Tournament on May 9.
Several Beaufort Academy players provided a lift on the offensive end as the Eagles prevailed.
The Eagles moved ahead early and never faltered. Beaufort Academy owned a comfortable 6-0 lead at halftime.
Beaufort Academy then advanced to meet John Paul II in the title game at Porter-Gaud School in Charleston.
