Published: September 30, 2008 12:08 am            

KICK IT: Draws produce interesting sectional tilts

The draws for the 15th annual IHSAA boys’ and girls’ soccer state tournament series were made Monday — throwing up one outstanding early-round tilt.

The Jeffersonville and New Albany boys’ sectionals (Nos. 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 winners of the early rounds, with New Albany’s Lady Bulldogs being drawn against Providence in what is effectively a quarterfinal matchup. Both teams have beaten reigning sectional champion Floyd Central this year, and both are in fine form going into the postseason.

Pioneers coach Dave Smith is also director of coaching of the girls’ 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.”

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 in action today at Providence (action starts at 5:30 p.m.).

Floyd Central should have a reasonably comfortable trip to the finals, as it has drawn the winner of North Harrison and Corydon in the quarterfinal. The winner will face Jeffersonville or Christian Academy of Indiana in the semifinal.

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 on Oct. 22.

In the Jeffersonville boys’ sectional, the Red Devils and Providence will be happy to avoid each other this year after last year’s epic semifinal battle. Defending champion Jeff will take on Rock Creek Christian Academy for the opportunity to face Christian Academy, which the Red Devils met in last year’s final.

The second semifinal will see Providence against Charlestown in a repeat of last year’s first-round game, which the Pioneers won comfortably.

“One thing I can say for sure is I’m much happier about playing Charlestown in the semifinals as opposed to the play-in game on Thursday,” Pioneers coach Adam Giovenco said. “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 semifinal after the Bulldogs play North Harrison in the first round, while the Highlanders will face Corydon.

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

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 semistate at Evansville Central on Oct. 25.

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



JEFF CELEBRATES FUTURE PLAYERS

Jeffersonville’s Lady Devils will celebrate local youth soccer players from Clark and Floyd counties by inviting them to tonight’s home game against Floyd Central.

All youth players wearing their team jerseys will be admitted free and be introduced between the junior-varsity and varsity games. The JV game will start at 6 p.m., with the varsity following at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on Lady Devils soccer, visit www.eteamz.com/LadyDevilssoccer.



COACHES VS. CANCER SUCCESS

A large turnout at the Providence-Jeffersonville boys’ varsity game on Saturday ensured more than $2,000 for the “Coaches vs. Cancer” fundraising effort.

The money raised from gate receipts and raffles will go towards Livestrong — the organization founded in 1997 by champion cyclist and cancer survivor Lance Armstrong.

As reported last week, the idea of a Coaches vs. Cancer game — which was held in conjunction with Providence’s Senior Night — came about as a response to what has been an epidemic among parents of the team’s players.

“We have had at least five parents affected by cancer in the last five years,” said Giovenco. “It was just our little way of saying we care.”

The winner of the Manchester United Henrik Larsson jersey was Penny Neace, mom of freshman Max Neace from the JV team.

Contact Aidan Kelly at aidokaydo@gmail.com.



SECTIONAL DRAWS

BOYS’ SECTIONALS

• JEFFERSONVILLE: first round — Jeffersonville vs. Rock Creek Christian Academy; semifinals — Charlestown vs. Providence; Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Jeff; championship — semifinal winners.

• NEW ALBANY: first round — New Albany vs. North Harrison, Floyd Central vs. Corydon Central; semifinals — New Albany or North Harrison vs. Floyd Central or Corydon; Salem vs. Silver Creek; championship — semifinal winners.



GIRLS’ SECTIONAL

• JEFFERSONVILLE: first round — North Harrison vs. Corydon Central; quarterfinals — Silver Creek vs. Salem; New Albany vs. Providence; Christian Academy of Indiana vs. Jeffersonville; Floyd Central vs. North Harrison or Corydon; semifinals — Silver Creek or Salem vs. New Albany vs. Providence; Christian Academy or Jeff vs. Floyd, North Harrison or Corydon; championship — semifinal winners.

        

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