RINGGOLD, Ga. — Endings are tough for any athletic team, especially when that team can go down as the best in program history.
Ringgold was eliminated from the GHSA Class AA soccer championships with a 2-0 second-round loss to Shaw of Columbus Monday afternoon, ending what coach Lane Moore hopes is the first of many postseason runs to come.
“Last year was not the best year with a 3-11 record, so we felt this year was more of a rebuilding year and our main goal was we wanted to go to state,” the fourth-year coach said afterward. “But, we made a lot of history this year — region runners-up for the first time, most wins in school history with 11 and we hosted a first-round, and second-round, playoff game for the first time in school history.”
The game was one of several boys’ second-round games postponed due to Friday’s inclement weather. Also Monday, Northwest Whitfield used goals from Connor Stiles, Chris Tapia and Yahir Navarro to get past Jenkins 3-0 in Class AAA. The Bruins will host Gilmer Tuesday in the quarterfinal round. Also in Class AAA, Calhoun fell 2-1 to Johnson of Gainesville.
Ringgold vs. Shaw of Columbus boys’ soccer on May 5, 2025
In GHSA girls’ quarterfinal action Monday, Coahulla Creek won at Drew Charter 3-0 in Class AA, while Dade County lost 2-0 at Social Circle in Class A Division I and Trion was a 4-0 winner over Claxton in Class A Division II.
Ringgold (11-7) was on the negative side of nearly every counting stat against the Raiders (12-6) Monday on Don Patterson Field, including an 18-7 shot differential that was the result of the action taking place far too often on the Ringgold side of the pitch.
Shaw senior Kevin Reyez scored both goals, his 31st and 32nd tallies of the season, while fellow senior Andres Bonilla was in the middle of nearly every possession with quick passes, strong challenges on the sideline and a propensity to get under the Tigers’ skin.
“That’s their star duo, so we knew they combine with each other very well and they proved it today,” Moore said. “We knew they were going to be really, really quick and those guys are their leading scorers.
“Our defense wasn’t able to hold on like we normally do. We really gave up ground in the midfield, which led to more possession time for them and that’s not going to lead to much success.”
The game was scoreless midway through the opening half when Shaw’s Herbert Sanchez got loose in the left corner of the scoring box. Two Ringgold defenders converged and Sanchez was able to get the ball to Alex Mendez, who then found Reyez at the top of the box.
His first shot was blocked but he quickly gained possession and beat Ringgold keeper Jack Crosby for the 1-0 lead.
The second goal caught the Tigers by surprise. Crosby cleared the ball with a long kick well into Shaw territory, where Mendez took a running start and headed it a good 40 yards. A Ringgold defender misjudged the distance, but Bonilla was there to gather it in, made one move and found Reyez, who took the pass and bounced one in off the right bar.
Ringgold had a pair of good scoring opportunities in the final 25 minutes. Myles Morton lofted a high shot from 30 yards out that would have gone in if not for Shaw keeper Jacob Parrish’s fingertip save at the top of the goal.
Ten minutes later, Jaxon Hammons broke free off the left side, but his strong shot was easily grabbed by Parrish. The Tigers would manage just two other shots in the second half, though.
“We felt like we had some good opportunities,” Moore said, “but we just couldn’t capitalize. We had seven corner kicks in the first half, but didn’t connect.
“This is the group I started with here, so I’ve watched them grow and it’s sad to see them go, but I’m excited to see what comes.”
Contact Lindsey Young at lyoung@timesfreepress.com.