A shift in approach earlier this season for the Arts & Sciences boys’ soccer program has turned out to make a world of difference.
Only Madison Magnet has more goals (42) in the TSSAA postseason than the Patriots, who have outscored their opposition 38-0 in five playoff victories to reach their goal: a trip to this week’s TSSAA Spring Fling for the Class A state tournament.
The Patriots (16-3-3) clinched their first state tourney berth since 2019 as they scored four goals in the second half of Sunday’s 5-0 victory over KIPP Nashville in a sectional played on Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts’ turf field.
“I am a defensive coach, so we have always kind of been a defensive team,” Patriots coach Wes Castle said. “About midway through the season, I acknowledged it was time for me to even grow. I told them we are going to become more of an offensive team.
“I took some of our defenders who are really good and worked them forward. They have really done a great job and boosted our attack. They continue to use their defense to steal the ball and get higher. Will Hetrick has been one of those guys who has really pushed us to get our offense rolling.”