OVERLAND PARK — As far as Class 4A soccer goes, the Louisburg soccer team might have well been called “The greatest show on turf.”
The Wildcats certainly looked the part Friday. 
Louisburg senior Stephen McTeer hoists the regional trophy. (Photo by Andy Brown)
Louisburg downed Spring Hill 4-0 to capture its third straight Class 4A regional championship at the Overland Park Soccer Complex, which features a turf playing surface. The win propelled the Wildcats to the state quarterfinal game against St. James Academy on Tuesday.
The last two seasons, the Wildcats have failed to win the quarterfinal game and achieve that goal of a state tournament appearance. The players were excited with their third regional crown, but they know they have bigger business to attend to.
“I think we are all pumped with another title, but we have so much more left to do,” Louisburg senior Stephen McTeer said. “We played well and played a complete game. Everyone played great and we just have to keep it going.”
Louisburg (15-3) didn’t waste much time getting started and the Wildcats put the Broncos in an early hole. In the third minute, McTeer put a shot past Spring Hill goalie Zach Boyle for the game’s first goal.
Four minutes later, the Wildcats struck again.
Senior Derek Symes found the back of the net on an assist from fellow senior Ray Crosswhite to give the Wildcats more than enough cushion from the Broncos’ attack.
“I think we probably played our most complete game of the season,” Louisburg coach Ben York said. “There were times when we looked like a club team out there and a big reason is that the guys like playing on turf. We are definitely a little faster team. We were able to start and finish the game well and that will be very important from here on out.”
The Wildcats put the match away in the second half on a pair of goals. In the 52nd minute, McTeer scored his second goal of the game on an assist from Symes. McTeer’s shot hit off Boyle’s hands and in the back of the net.
Four minutes later, Louisburg sealed the win. Reserve senior Taylor Burdine hit a shot to the upper-right part of the net on a one-on-one opportunity against Boyle.
Louisburg’s defense did its part as well. Goalkeeper Anthony Juarez got the shutout, while defenders Zack Hill, Jake Wittry, Tanner O’Hara, along with midfielders Austin Hyden and Max Wallerstedt, did their part to limit the Broncos’ shots on goal. 
The Louisburg soccer team won its third straight regional title Friday in Overland Park after a 4-0 victory over Spring Hill. Members of the team are (front row, from left) head coach Ben York, and his son Gavin, Woody Watson, Taylor Burdine, Ray Crosswhite, Anthony Juarez, Stephen McTeer, Max Wallerstedt; (second row) Nicholas Shibe, Austin Hyden, Zack Hill, Kevin Sitek, Stacy Curtis; (back row) Jake Wittry, Derek Symes, Cameron Philgreen, A.J. Bair, Geoff Monceret, Aaron Burrow, Tanner O’Hara and assistant coach Tony Juarez. (Photo by Andy Brown)
The Wildcats tried for its first state tournament appearance Tuesday in the state quarterfinals against St. James Academy at Lewis-Young Park, but results were unavailable at press time. Check www.herald-online.com for updates Wednesday morning and look for a full story and wrap-up in Friday’s Weekend edition.
Louisburg hopes to finally get over the hump of that state quarterfinal match.
“That game has definitely been a monkey on our backs,” McTeer said. “And I am ready to get it off.”
York believes the sky is the limit for this team and hopes the Wildcats can make the state trip this weekend to Towanda. The state tournament begins Friday and runs through Saturday.
“Of the three teams that have made the state quarterfinal, this team probably has the best shot at making it to state,” York said. “Everything has really lined up for them and hopefully we can keep playing well.” |
