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Devils sweep SEB in doubleheader
Statesboro

After an uneventful first half, the Statesboro girls exploded in the final 40 minutes, scoring all of their goals in a 7-1 rout of Southeast Bulloch Thursday night at Womack Field.

Six different players scored for the Lady Blue Devils, who dominated time of possession throughout the game.

"I was very pleased with the effort tonight," said SHS coach Brian Thomas. "I give a lot of credit to SEB for the first half. They had some excellent play from their defense and goaltender. In the second half, we were able to connect on a few more passes and finally broke through."

Nzinga Johnson finally pushed Statesboro ahead in the opening minutes of the second half as she beat the Lady Yellow Jacket defenders to a rebound off of a saved shot. Johnson had done the same thing in the final minute of the first half before her shot was blocked, but she made her second chance count.

Statesboro continued to control the ball and the pace of the game when, in the 53rd minute, Claire Randall launched a screaming shot off of her left foot from 20 yards out. The ball curved through the SEB box and nestled into the corner of the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was the first of two on the day for Randall, both of which carried a little more meaning than usual.

Thursday’s matchup was the final home game of the season for Statesboro and — as the only senior on the Lady Devils squad — Randall was able to go out in style in her final game in front of the home fans.

"It felt great to get a couple of goals," said Randall. "But winning is the most important part. I think that we’ve grown a lot this year. Hopefully, everyone else can come back next season and pick up where we’re leaving off right now."

Taylor Sarrat launched another long goal — this one from nearly 30 yards out — for a 3-0 edge, and the Lady Devils poured it on over the final 10 minutes of play to come away with the easy victory.

Statesboro is out of contention for the Region 2-AAAA title and state tournament, but plays two road games — against South Effingham and Savannah Arts — to round out its season.

 

Statesboro 10, SEB 0

The Statesboro boys capped off the sweep of Southeast Bulloch in equally impressive fashion, winning Thursday's nightcap by a score of 10-0.

The Blue Devils were dominant throughout, building a 5-0 lead in the first half and keeping the pedal pressed in the final 40 minutes.

Following Randall's lead from the first game, David Ball, Adam Purvis, Caleb Brown and Jorge San Juan all celebrated their Senior Night with a goal.

 

Mike Anthony can be reached at (912) 489-9404.