Texas HS State Tournament Preview: 4A Boys
The big moment has arrived in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Texas High School soccer season as, after almost four months of action, we’re set to crown the 2024 state champions in the Lone Star State. Only four of the…
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Continue ReadingThe big moment has arrived in the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Texas High School soccer season as, after almost four months of action, we’re set to crown the 2024 state champions in the Lone Star State.
Only four of the hundreds of teams that started the season with title aspirations in each of the six divisions still stand and they will battle this week in Georgetown, with matches taking place at Birkelbach Field from Wednesday to Sunday in the State Tournament.
The best of the best will be action over the next few days and we’ve prepared previews for each division to get you ready to follow the climax of high school soccer in the state of Texas this season.
Division 4A Boys
Semifinals – Wednesday, April 10
4:00 pm – Boerne (Region 4) vs. Kilgore (Region 2)
6:30 pm – Navasota (Region 3) vs. San Elizario (Region 1)
Championship Game – Friday, April 12
2:30 pm – Winner of Semifinal #1 vs. Winner of Semifinal #2
Team Previews
San Elizario
The Eagles from San Elizario are set to make back-to-back State Tournament appearances after they qualified in 2023, when they competed among the state’s elite for the fourth time – they took the title in their first three attempts, in 2015, 2018 and 2019. San Elizario dominated Region 1, going undefeated in District 1 and producing a season record of 22 wins and three losses – their offense produced 103 goals and their defense allowed only 13. The Eagles left Pecos, Wichita Falls Hirschi, El Paso Austin, Castleberry and El Paso Riverside behind in the postseason to qualify for the State Tournament.
Players to Watch: Stephen Chairez (senior goalkeeper), Francisco Marquez (junior midfielder) and Eduardo Marquez (senior forward)
Kilgore
The Bulldogs from Kilgore are back in the State Tournament for the first time since 2017, when they won their only title, and are set to make their fifth appearance in the event. They emerged as the top team from Region 2, ranking first in District 15 and making the trip to Georgetown with 25 wins, two losses and two ties, besides 119 goals scored and 19 conceded. In the playoffs, they overcame Hudson, Lindale, Jacksonville, Hutchins and Panther Creek.
Players to Watch: Chris Martinez (senior goalkeeper), Leandro Izaguirre (senior defender) and Enrique Salazar (freshman forward)
Navasota
The Rattlers from Navasota are having a historic season as they managed to advance to the State Tournament for the first time in program history. The team stood out in Region 3, going undefeated to win District 20 and getting 23 wins, two losses and one tie in the season – with 96 goals scored and only 16 allowed. Navasota’s playoffs campaign included victories over Washington, Vidor, Scarborough, La Vega and Lumberton.
Players to Watch: Juan Vargas (senior goalkeeper), Ricardo Alvarado (junior midfielder) and Giovanni Perez (sophomore forward)
Boerne
Set to make their fifth State Tournament appearance, the Greyhounds from Boerne won the title in three of their four attempts (2006, 2021 and 2022). This season, they have been perfect in Region 4, topping District 26 and getting to Georgetown undefeated with 22 victories, 64 goals scored and just 12 conceded. In the playoffs, Boerne topped Lago Vista, Memorial, Marble Falls, Hidalgo Early College and Progreso.
Players to Watch: Ben Niedecken (junior goalkeeper), Shae Gonzalez (sophomore midfielder) and Brett Hettie (senior midfielder)