HIAWASSEE, Ga. — When the Social Circle Lady Redskins returned to Social Circle last Friday, they brought home more than just a 4-3 win over Towns County. With the win, the Lady Redskins were crowned champions of Region 8A-Public — the first region title for the girls soccer program since 2017. 

The players’ joy was noticeable, according to head coach Heather Richardson. 

“They were very excited and had worked so hard to get to that point,” Richardson said. 

Friday’s win concludes the Lady Redskins’ regular season with a 17-1 overall record along with a 13-1 record in Region 8A-Public. 

Of the 17 wins, 13 of them were shut out victories for Social Circle as well as eight mercy rule wins, too.

The Lady Redskins began the season 2-0 by defeating Cedar Shoals and Monroe Area. Their lone loss of 2022 came against Commerce on Feb. 7, losing 5-4 on the road. 

Social Circle has not lost since. 

Immediately following that loss, the Lady Redskins won seven straight, six of which resulted in shutouts. Then, Social Circle avenged its loss against Commerce when it won 3-1 on March 10. 

The Lady Redskins then enjoyed a stretch of matches where they won six straight that all resulted in shutouts. 

Friday’s contest against Towns County was the closest contest Social Circle endured since its 3-2 win over Monroe Area on Feb. 4. 

But, with the state playoffs on the horizon, Richardson stressed how a close match served as a good reminder for her team heading into the postseason. 

“I feel like it was a good game for us to have going into the playoffs because we didn’t beat [Towns County] 8-0 or 10-0,” Richardson said. “It was a pretty tough game for us. So, I think that set the tone that, starting next week, all the games are going to be tough. Everybody is playing for the same thing and we have to get mentally prepared for that.” 

In total, the Lady Redskins have outscored all of their opponents this season 147-14. That brings their average to 7.7 goals per match. 

Offensively, Tess Preston and Peyton Brooks have separated themselves scoring goals at a high rate all season. As one of the team’s seniors, Preston leads the team with 59 goals and also has a team-high 29 assists. Brooks, as a sophomore, has 56 goals along with 21 assists. 

Alana Ferguson, who joined the team after basketball season, is the third Lady Redskin who has scored double-digit goals with 10 total. 

Seniors Kaylee Connell and Taylor Wright have recorded 12 assists apiece, too. 

Defensively, senior Rory Stowe and freshman Faith Young “hold it down” as the two team’s center backs, Richardson said. 

Freshman goalkeeper Addie Stracner has seen the most game time (225 minutes) in the goal this season and has collected 22 saves, three of which were in the win on Friday at Towns County. Sophomore Alaina Smith has recorded 17 saves in 80 minutes of game time, too. 

For Richardson, seeing her team perform at a high level all season across the board has been crucial to this season’s success. 

“It has helped us get into the position we’re in,” Richardson said. “Having players that make an impact, the older ones and younger ones. That’s definitely what you need to be successful and to be good all over the field. I think we are definitely a well-rounded team.” 

Now, with the regular season wrapped up, the Lady Redskins will enjoy spring break and come back the latter part of the week to begin preparation for the Class A-Public state playoffs.

By earning the No. 1 seed out of Region 8A-Public, Social Circle will host the first round of the state playoffs next Tuesday, April 12. And, with aspirations for a deep playoff run, Richardson stressed how her team has to focus on the fundamentals to fuel a long lasting postseason. 

“We have to be solid on defense,” Richardson said. “We can’t make any mistakes. Then, we have to score goals when we get the opportunity. We can’t miss opportunities when we have them. And definitely having confidence in ourselves and our teammates and working hard.”

SC Boys claim region title

Courtesy of Commerce defeating Lake Oconee Academy 3-2 on Monday, April 4, the Social Circle boys team was also crowned champions of Region 8A-Public. 

Previously, the Redskins were in a tie for first place but, with Lake Oconee Academy’s loss, the team can claim the title outright. 

The boys finished the regular season 17-2 (13-1).