The East Hamilton boys' soccer team has had a year to stew over its last loss to a Class A/AA opponent. Saturday the Hurricanes made the most of the opportunity to exact some revenge under the same circumstances.
Kyle Gallups scored twice as the Hurricanes won 4-0 with three goals in the final 40 minutes. That gave them a second trip in three years to the BlueCross Spring Fling in Murfreesboro, which begins Tuesday at the Richard Siegel Soccer Complex.
East Hamilton (19-1-2) fell 2-1 to CCS in last season's sectional round.
"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought of this match for the past few weeks," 'Canes coach John Millard said. "We were nervous in the first half. The guys have been looking forward to this day."
East Hamilton's first-half score was a free-kick goal by Alex McCarney, which was set up after Jalen Goddard was fouled a few feet outside the box.
In the second half, Gallups scored on a Jonah Goddard assist and later was fouled in the box and converted a penalty kick.
Jonah Goddard intercepted a pass and nailed a kick from about 20 yards out to complete the scoring.
"We're a lot more confident about going to state this time around," Gallups said. "We have a lot of seniors on this team, and that's going to help us going forward."
Saturday also marked the end of the Shawn Brower era for the Chargers (13-5-2), as the head coach for the past eight seasons is leaving to take a job as headmaster and head soccer coach at a school in Jupiter, Fla.
"East Hamilton is a well-oiled machine, and there are times you just have to say 'Well done' to the other team. Today is one of those days," Brower said. "They are a veteran team that is on a mission.
"I'll remember this team as one of the most enjoyable teams I've ever coached. They loved each other and had a great attitude, and I'll remember this season for the great relationships we had and the team camaraderie."
Baylor in final four
Baylor's Red Raiders went on the road Saturday and defeated Memphis University School 1-0 to advance to the Division II-AA state final four. Kyle Johnston had the goal, assisted by Austin Maize. Colin Brewer got the shutout in goal.
The Red Raiders (15-3-3) played without head coach Curtis Blair, with girls' coach Jimmy Weekley filling in.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.