Bill Ferguson gets chills just thinking about it.
The Auburn High School boys soccer coach has watched his team overcome challenges in the playoffs. And he watched his team reach the Final Four in Huntsville. It would be so cool to see his team go all the way and finish the job — not just because it's been a long journey, but because the AHS boys have been there since 2018. Not only that, but because we have 10 seniors on the team, it's because of the way they play.
“They're incredibly selfless. They show up for each other. Oh, all the little things you would expect in a team sport, they do it well,” Ferguson said of his group. I said, trying to find the words to explain it. “They encourage me when things are difficult or frustrating. I'm really happy that this team represents Auburn High School football because they're doing something right. ”
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Auburn High School will face Fairhope in the Class 7A playoff semifinals in Huntsville on Thursday at 3 p.m. So the Tigers will finish the fight together anyway. The state championship will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in Huntsville.
Coach Ferguson said he saw his team play at a new level in the playoffs, led by 10 seniors in their last chance. And the program overcame the hurdle. Since the 2018 state championship season, Auburn High School has stumbled in the second round of the playoffs several times and eliminated teams even in seasons where the Tigers were the top seed. . Auburn High School finally made it through the round with a 2-1 win over Dothan last week and a thrilling 3-2 win over Prattville in the season opener.
“They've had a great season so far and some impressive games, but I'd say they really, really showed their strength in the last two games. So, on a stage they haven't been to in a while, I'm really looking forward to seeing how they perform against a team I've never seen before,” Ferguson said.
Auburn High School's senior-heavy starting lineup is led by a midfield core that works to set the tempo and control the field. Cooper Fein serves as team captain in the center, working with Ethan Park, Juanes Bilbao and Choi Soo-hyuk.
On the backline, Matthew Bolding anchors the defense alongside Joel Montez on the inside, with two seniors, Andy Roberts and Destiny Zekeli, on the outside.
With Brody Cobbin serving as goalie, AHS has not scored a goal in a postseason game so far. That's because his only goal thus far in the playoffs against Auburn High School came from a penalty kick or a set piece.
And on the offensive line is junior Coyne Park, who has scored four goals in the last two games.
“He's one of those players who you see at his best in the big moments,” Ferguson said.
“They’re really energized,” he said of the group as a whole. “So I’m looking forward to seeing what they do because it’s going to be a new experience for any player to play in Huntsville.”
The other semifinal will pit Oak Mountain against Huntsville.
Life in this group was comfortable for Ferguson. This weekend ends in the perfect location with the state tournament and Final Four in Huntsville.
“Many of them have dedicated years of their lives to pursuing the cause of becoming great in this sport,” Ferguson said. “They've put in a lot of time, multiple training sessions a day, including lifts and practices…I think it means a lot. Especially at some point this week, Auburn High School There are 10 seniors who will be the last to leave the field wearing their uniforms. So, to play on Saturday and have a chance to win a state championship, well, let's just say, think about it. It just gives me chills.”