Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer center back Nico Cope, a senior, plays against Lithia Springs High School in the first round of the 2023-2024 Georgia High School Association AAAAA state playoffs in Billy Henderson Stadium on April 17. The CCHS boys varsity soccer team defeated LSHS 5-0 and advanced to the second round of playoffs to face Dalton High School at CCHS on April 24. “I think we can win it all. We have the players and chemistry we need,” CCHS boys varsity soccer midfielder Paulo Calabria, a sophomore, said. Photo by Aza Khan
With the CCHS boys varsity soccer team winning in the first round of the GHSA AAAAA state playoffs, the team is preparing for the Sweet Sixteen on April 24.
The Clarke Central High School boys varsity soccer team will advance to the second round of the Georgia High School Association AAAAA state playoff against the reigning champions Dalton High School, in Billy Henderson Stadium on April 24 at 7:00 p.m.
With the Gladiators defeating Lithia Springs High School 5-0 in the first round of playoffs on April 17, they bring a 15-0-2 record into their match against DHS (15-4-1) in the second round. CCHS boys varsity soccer coach Christopher Aiken has high hopes for the team as CCHS has advanced past the Sweet Sixteen in the past.
“(We) prepare to win,” boys varsity soccer coach Christopher Aiken said. “In my time, we have been to the Elite Eight three times and (the) Final Four once.”
“(We) continue improving every day. I love these players and will miss them when the season is over.”
— Christopher Aiken,
CCHS boys varsity soccer coach
Aiken says the positive mindset going into each game is the most important aspect for the team, especially for the seniors, as this could possibly be their last game as Gladiators.
“(We) continue improving every day. I love these players and will miss them when the season is over,” Aiken said.
CCHS boys varsity soccer midfielder Paulo Calabria, a sophomore, is hopeful for the matchup although he knows the challenge Dalton High School will bring.
“It’s exciting because Dalton is the reigning champion (but) it is also a little nerve-racking because of the same reason. I think we can win it all, we have the players and chemistry we need,” Calabria said.
