Dustin Walker and the Boyd Buchanan soccer team are grateful for the season of life they are currently experiencing together.
The Buccaneers certainly appear in strong shape to advance to their sixth consecutive TSSAA Spring Fling this season as second half goals from juniors Fiston Mugisha and Andrew Pollard lifted the Division II-A perennial powers to a 2-0 home region championship win over rival Notre Dame on Thursday in front of a large turnout.
"One of the things we talked about before the game was for everyone to just stop and be thankful for the position the Lord has put us all in together," Coach Walker said. "The seasons of life are special. We are so grateful for this team and to be together and given the opportunity to play a game with people we love. You can't beat these moments."
After back-to-back state runner-up finishes, Boyd Buchanan (12-2-1) has been propelled by several new faces in the attack, while a back line led by senior centerbacks Emory Gravitt and Ethan Pirtle has held opponents to just 10 goals this season.
Leading a dangerous attack has been Pollard, who delivered a special shot for his 13th score of the season.
The speedster showcased his speed and shiftiness as he drove into the box past three defenders and slotted a powerful shot with his left foot into the upper right of the net to provide a 2-0 lead in the 65th minute.
"Drew is super driven and stays after practice with a bunch of our guys," Walker said. "He cares about what he puts into the game, practices and when he is off the field too. He is serious about putting himself in the best position possible and he has been such a great leader and brought the spark we needed. He is tireless and has so much energy when he is out there."
Pollard scored the game-winning goal in the second half of last year's 1-0 state semifinal victory over previously unbeaten Webb School to advance Boyd Buchanan to the state finals for the second straight year.
He hopes to help provide even more valuable postseason moments for his team in search of the program's first state title since 2010.
"The emotion from losing state last year is something I have carried with me," Pollard said. "We have continued to push forward and work extremely hard. We want to keep pushing and break through to win it all. I work on finishing drills every day after practice. A lot of success in sports comes from what you do when people aren't watching."
After a scoreless first half in the region title bout against Notre Dame (8-6), which received stellar play on the defensive end from senior Derek Perez and junior Ian Calhoun, Boyd Buchanan broke through in the 51st minute.
Mugisha was in the right place on the left side of the goal after a long throw-in was bounced around and landed right before the goal line for Mugisha to send in for the goal.
The Buccaneers recorded double digit shots in the victory against an opposing keeper who made several standout saves, including a diving save in the first half. Notre Dame's Luke Rosellini and Josh Bonk had some strong runs in the defeat, but after falling behind, Boyd's defense proved too tough to get past, especially junior Sam Jones at left back.
"This region championship feels amazing," Mugisha said. "This soccer team and school are so special to me. We are here to fight until the end. To help the team win means everything to me right now. We are working until the end. Every day."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.