McIntosh and Starr's Mill advance in AAAA soccer, Indians in AAAAA

Three local varsity boys soccer teams have taken the first step towards reaching the state final in their respective classifications. Their second steps will likely be significantly more challenging.

McIntosh, the top ranked team in AAAA, beat Clarke Central 3-0 on Tuesday to advance to a second round game with Hillgrove, ranked seventh in Class AAAA next Tuesday. Hillgrove (15-2-2) is 3-1-1 over their last five games. They have scored 87 goals this season and have allowed 25. The second round game will be played at McIntosh. A kickoff time has yet to be determined.

Starr's Mill, the second ranked team in Class AAAA, advanced with a shutout of their own, defeating Apalachee 4-0. Preston Gayton had a hat trick while Payne Spencer added one goal. Kevin O'Connor recorded two assists and Justin Ross chipped in one. The win puts them in a road game at Dalton, ranked fifth in Class AAAA, next Tuesday at 6 p.m. Dalton (14-2-1) advanced to the second round with a 4-0 win over Chamblee. They are 5-0 over their last five games.

Northgate's boys played at sixth ranked Habersham Central and lost 5-0.

In Class AAAAA, East Coweta's boys beat Coffee 2-0 and will play at Greenbrier, Evans, ranked fifth in Class AAAAA and 10th in the state, next Tuesday.