The high school boys soccer playoffs begin today, with many teams in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference looking to survive and advance to the substate semifinals.
That includes the WACO Warriors, who travel to take on Central Lee in the first round of Class 1A Substate 6. Thanks in part to the junior's nine goals and four assists, WACO went 5-7 this spring, one win more than last year's first year. Keiran Luitjens.
For the Warriors, sophomores Tristan Luitjens and Nick West each had six goals and 13 total assists, while senior goaltender Colton Laichty made more than 100 saves. WACO plays the Central Lee team with a 4-5 record, but defeated the Warriors 3-1 on April 29th.
The Columbus Wildcats also play Danville tonight in 1A Substate 6. After starting the season 0-6, Columbus has won three of its last five games, with senior Fernando Eraso and sophomore Sasiel Villagrana leading the way with all of the team's 19 goals this season. The Wildcats will face a Danville team that has won twice this season and is 10-2 overall.
The Highland Huskies will begin the postseason at home against Marquette Catholic in Substate 5. Highland is 5-9, but has won as many games this year as in the past five seasons combined.
Jared Diaz was a star for the Huskies with a team-high 12 goals and four assists, while fellow junior Logan McFarland also scored nine points. Highland will play a Marquette Catholic team with a 4-4 record.
The Huskies and Columbus Wildcats will kick off their first-round playoff game at 7 p.m., while the WACO Warriors will begin tonight at 5 p.m.