GA Boys Varsity Soccer - Norcross v Alpharetta

In the first match of the 2025 Georgia Boys Varsity High School AAAAAA playoffs, the Norcross High School Blue Devils hosted the Raiders from Alpharetta. The Blue Devils came in with a 15-1-1 record, were undefeated at home, and came away with a 2-1 victory, scoring the game-winner in the 77th minute. The game was originally scheduled for April 23rd, but lightning in the area forced a postponement to Thursday, April 24.    Kevin made some excellent saves in the second half for the visiting team, one being an upper 90, and the other at close range. His best contribution was his organizational skills. He communicated loudly and confidently and made sure his back line was set. His decision-making was excellent on the night.     This right back was disciplined and sharp all night. Making timely tackles and precise passes, Yugo was the best player on his flank. He put in an honest day's work both, defensively and offensively, and was dominant. His positioning was excellent in aerial battles and his long-range passing was spot on.     A versatile attacking player, Bilal saw minutes at left mid, forward, and the #10. With his crafty left foot and long strides, he was a threat for most of the night. His patience and dribbling prowess garnered a penalty for the visiting Raiders, which he buried in the 72nd minute. He had to leave the field beforehand for an injury, yet came back without skipping a beat.     In his final high school match, this center-back played flawlessly. He captained his side all year and was the bedrock of the program. His positioning and tactical awareness were excellent all match long, giving nothing to the opposing team down the middle. In the 79th minute, he sent a brilliant ball into the box which found a teammate's head. Unfortunately, the equalizer was not meant to be as the header went straight to the Blue Devil GK.     This senior GK was the difference maker of the game. His positioning and reflexes thrwarted two one v one chances by the Raiders, both in the second half. Another brilliant play came from a cross, where his reflexes were cat-like and denied a goal. His experience and effort lead his team to the next round of the playoffs.     Dennis is a fast and technical player who roams the midfield with tons of activity. His quick feet and decision-making were evident from the start. What wasn't seen until the later parts of the second half was his ability to shoot from distance. He scored the Blue Devils first goal from about 22 yards out. He hit a laser from a volley that froze the opponent's GK. There was no saving that blast, which gave his side a 1-0 lead.     With quick feet and great energy, Gary was an active and effective center midfielder. He is technical and shifty. All these attributes came on display when he scored the game-winner and sent the Blue Devils to the next round. His busy demeanor resulted in a scrappy and opportunistic goal in the 77th minute. Always buzzing around and clean with the ball, he had a very nice outing for his home side.

In the first match of the 2025 Georgia Boys Varsity High School AAAAAA playoffs, the Norcross High School Blue Devils hosted the Raiders from Alpharetta. The Blue Devils came in with a 15-1-1 record, were undefeated at home, and came away with a 2-1 victory, scoring the game-winner in the 77th minute. The game was originally scheduled for April 23rd, but lightning in the area forced a postponement to Thursday, April 24.