Coming off a hard-fought win against Forest Park in the GHSA Class 4A state playoffs, the Starr’s Mill Panthers faced Centennial in the Sweet Sixteen. Despite their efforts, the Panthers came up short, falling to the Knights, 3-1.
“Since some of these seniors have been playing since 8th and 9th grade, it’s going to be a big loss, but we’ll find a way next year,” head coach Aaron Buck said. “This season brought us every trial and tribulation that any team could ever ask for, and these boys handled it like champs.”
Centennial took control early, going up 1-0 in the eighth minute. For the next 24 minutes both teams exchanged possession with no real scoring chances.
Centennial scored twice in the last ten minutes of the first half to take a 3-0 lead into the break.
Starr’s Mill tightened up defensively in the second half, preventing any additional goals. The Panthers broke through in the 19th minute when senior Grant Ferron scored. The game ended with Centennial advancing after winning 3-1.
“Being able to play with my best friends and my brother is very meaningful to me,” Ferron said. “I have grown as a player by playing for varsity for four years and developing along multiple years of senior before me.”
Defensively, senior Andrew Schmidt made several key clearances, repeatedly cutting off Centennial attacks in an attempt to regain control for the Panthers.
“The boys played well and have nothing to be disappointed about,” Buck said. “Centennial is a good team.”
With the loss, Starr’s Mill finishes the season with an overall record of 9-9. Key moments from the season include the team winning the region and defeating McIntosh in the annual Battle for the Troops game.