Draws produce interesting sectional tilts

The draws for the boys' and girls' 15th annual IHSAA Soccer State Tournament series were made yesterday – throwing up one outstanding early round tie.

The Jeffersonville and New Albany boys' sectionals (59 and 60 respectively) kick off on Thursday, Oct. 9, with the finals on Oct. 11.

The Jeffersonville girls' sectional - comprising a record nine teams this year, with the addition of newcomers Salem, Silver Creek and Christian Academy of Indiana - starts Oct. 13, with the final on Oct. 18.

There are no prizes for guessing the tie of the early rounds, with New Albany's Lady Bulldogs being drawn against Providence in what is effectively a quarter-final matchup. Both teams have beaten reigning sectional champion Floyd Central this year, and both are in fine form going into post-season.

Pioneers coach Dave Smith is also director of coaching at girl travel soccer outfit Net-Surfers, and Bulldogs boss Julie Deuser coaches there also.

"Coach Julie has been with the Net-Surfers for many years and has done a marvelous job for us, just as she and assistant coach Jason Crane have in their short time with the Bulldogs," said Smith. "We're pleased with the draw, and have great respect for the New Albany team and coaching staff."

Coach Deuser said she believes they are prepared for “any team out there.”
“I like doing things the hard way,” she said. “ I think that the game against Providence will be a challenge, but it is not something we can't succeed at. These girls have worked hard all season and I believe they can beat any team they play.
“I spoke with the girls and they are ready for the challenge. They are pumped up and ready to go as far as they can.”

And if anyone wants to search for clues as to how the game might pan out, they can catch the pair this evening at Providence (action starts at 5.30 p.m.).

Floyd Central should have a reasonably comfortable trip to the finals, as they have drawn the winner of North Harrison and Corydon in the quarter-final. The winner will face Jeffersonville or Christian Academy of Indiana in the semi-final.

In other first round ties, Salem will take on Silver Creek, with the winner going on to play New Albany or Providence.

The girls' winner at Jeffersonville will play the winner of the Columbus North sectional in the regional final on Oct. 22.

In the Jeffersonville boys sectional, the Red Devils and Providence will be happy to have avoided each other this year after last year's epic semi-final battle. Holders Jeff take on Rock Creek for the opportunity to face Christian Academy, who they met in last year's final.

The second semi-final will see Providence against Charlestown in a repeat of last year's first round game, which the Pioneers won comfortably. Pioneers coach Adam Giovenco said, "One thing I can say for sure is I'm much happier about playing Charlestown in the semi-finals as opposed to the play-in game on Thursday. We can't overlook anybody at this point in the season though, but having said that, I think we will be ready to play."

The New Albany sectional will see the hosts most likely meet Floyd Central in the semi final after they were drawn to play North Harrison, while the Highlanders will face Corydon.

What that means is that either Salem or Silver Creek will reach the final for the first time.

The boys' sectional winners progress to the four team regional finals (with Seymour and Madison winners) at Floyd Central on Oct. 15 and 18. The victors of that progress to semi-state at Evansville Central on Oct. 25.

The boys' and girls' state finals will be held at Kuntz Stadium in Indianapolis on November 1.

Sectional draws
Boys: Jeffersonville (5) Match 1 – Jeffersonville vs. Rock Creek Academy. Match 2 – Charlestown vs. Providence. Match 3 – Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Winner of Match 1.Championship – Winner of Match 2 vs. Winner of Match 3
New Albany (6) Match 1 – New Albany vs. North Harrison. Match 2 – Floyd Central vs. Corydon Central. Match 3 – Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2. Match 4 – Salem vs. Silver Creek. Championship – Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4.
Girls' sectional at Jeffersonville (9) Match 1 – North Harrison vs. Corydon Central. Match 2 – Silver Creek vs. Salem. Match 3 – New Albany vs. Providence. Match 4 – Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Jeffersonville. Match 5 – Floyd Central vs. Winner of Match 1. Match 6 – Winner of Match 2 vs. Winner of Match 3. Match 7 – Winner of Match 4 vs. Winner of Match 5. Championship – Winner of Match 6 vs. Winner of Match 7.