This year’s soccer district tournaments have been set and there are several local teams who have their eyes set on a possible district title and state tournament berth.
Ponte Vedra High and Beachside High are both in district 4-5A with the Sharks’ boys entering the tournament as the top seed with a record of 12-2, with their only losses coming to Creekside and Clay.
The Sharks won nine of the contests by more than one goal as they showcased a high-powered offense with senior striker Thomas Arndt and junior midfielder Nick Churchill both averaging one goal per game during the regular season.
Junior Keegan Cornett has been solid in goal throughout the season and has been a big reason why the Sharks have four shutouts.
Although the Sharks are the top seed, the Barracudas (11-3-2) will be the host team for the tournament as the No. 2 seed and it appears that the two teams are on a collision course to meet in the final.
The Barracudas have a lockdown defense that has accounted for 10 shutouts and only allowed four goals all season long.
The Sharks will have a bye in the first round and play the winner of St. Augustine High and Ed White High in the semifinals on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 7:30 p.m., while the Barracudas will play third-seeded Englewood High in their semifinal matchup at 6 p.m. on Jan. 28.
In the District 3-6A boys’ tournament, the Nease Panthers (7-5-3) are the No. 3 seed and will face Matanzas in the semifinals at Bartram Trail High on Jan. 28 beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The Panthers have a lot of momentum heading into the district tournament after having finished the regular season with a record of 4-1-1 in their final six games.
Senior defenseman Tyler Ghazanfari leads the Panthers with 10 goals and is second on the team with four assists as well.
Just as on the boys side of things, the girls soccer tournament in district 4-5A features the same bracket with the Sharks (10-3-2) as the top seed and the Barracudas (8-5-2) right behind as the No. 2 seed.
The Sharks’ girls’ squad is ranked No. 8 in the state among all classes and is 20th nationally according to Max Preps and will begin what it hopes will be yet another deep run as they look to defend their state title from a year ago.
Lily Morse and Izzy Whitaker are a pair of junior forwards that have been a dynamic duo for the Sharks offensively. Together, they have combined for 20 goals on 75 shots this season.
After a furious start to the year where the Barracudas won seven of their first eight games, it has been a rough stretch to end the season with only one win in their final seven contests.
The Barracudas will look to rediscover their early season form as the postseason gets underway.
Ponte Vedra High will host the tournament with the Barracudas facing St. Augustine High on Monday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. with the Sharks facing the winner of Englewood High and Ed White High to follow at 7:30 p.m.
The Nease girls have claimed the No. 2 seed in the district 3-6A and will square off against Tocoi Creek High at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24.
The Panthers (11-3-2) have outscored opponents 46-10 during the regular season.