McIntosh and Starr's Mill boys make quarterfinals

For those of you wanting to see a McIntosh/Starr’s Mill rematch in the state finals, both teams are still on track.

The McIntosh Chiefs hosted Hillgrove on Tuesday night and won 3-2 and the Starr’s Mill Panthers played at Dalton and won 3-1. Both are among the final eight teams playing in the Class AAAA state playoffs.

McIntosh got three goals in the first half of their win as Josh Ball, Dylan Crocker and Ryan Navarre all found the back of the net. Ball also notched an assist on Crocker’s goal. The story for much of the game though was defense and outstanding play from goalkeeper Josh Slepicka.

“He’s phenomenal,” said McIntosh head coach Bunky Colvin. “He’s only a sophomore but he’s one of the best I’ve seen. I haven’t seen a better keeper in the state this year.”

Slepicka gave up one goal in the first half and another on a penalty kick late in the game. He made several tremendous stops though against what Colvin felt was one of the top offenses in the state.

“This was the best offense we’ve faced all year and our defense held up against the pressure,” Colvin said. “I’m proud of them as a group.” Colvin added that his offense did a good job with their finishing, played unselfishly and did the little things to get the win.

The Chiefs will host Evans on Friday. Evans (14-5-1) defeated Hardway 4-2 in penalty kicks. A game time has yet to be set but will likely follow the McIntosh girls lacrosse team in their state quarterfinal match. The winner of this match will take on the winner of Marist and Dutchtown on Tuesday.

Starr’s Mill (16-3-1) picked up their third straight win, defeating Dalton 3-1 and setting up a quarterfinal match at eighth ranked Lakeside, Evans, which defeated Thomas County Central 1-0 on Tuesday. The Panthers, ranked second in the state, got two goals and an assist from Payne Spencer, a goal from Kevin O'Connor and assists from Preston Gayton and Justin Ross. They will play at Lakeside, Evans at 6 p.m. Friday.

The season came to an end for Whitewater and Landmark’s varsity boys teams. Whitewater fell behind Lakesdie, DeKalb 2-0 but stormed back late in the game to tie it. Milan Nagy scored with five minutes left and Justin Mier scored off a free kick from Vincent Easterbrook. Lakeside broke the hearts of the Whitewater team and its fans with the go ahead goal with 15 second left in regulation. Coach Shane Pulliam credited Michael Melatti and Easterbrook with playing good games.

Landmark hosted Thomasville in an afternoon game on Tuesday and lost 1-0.