The Polk County (Columbus, NC) varsity soccer team will host Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (Mooresboro, NC) in a home playoff match today at 6 p.m. at Polk County. This game is part of the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament.
Here’s what you need to know:
What: North Carolina High School Soccer
Who: Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy vs Polk County
When: Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Bracket: 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: Polk County and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy Set for High-Stakes 1A Playoff Clash
The Polk County Wolverines (14-4-3) will host the formidable Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy (TJCA) Gryphons (18-4-1) in an eagerly anticipated matchup in the 2024 NCHSAA Men’s Soccer Championships – 1A tournament. With home-field advantage at Polk County, both teams bring strong records and standout players to the contest, scheduled for 6 p.m.
Team Profiles and Season Performance
The Gryphons have impressed all season, boasting an overall record of 18-4-1 with an .804 win percentage. Ranked 126th in North Carolina, TJCA finished with a dominant conference record of 10-2, demonstrating their strength both at home (9-2) and on the road (9-2-1). With an impressive 111 goals scored and only 20 allowed, TJCA’s offense and defense have combined to make them a tough contender.
Polk County enters with a 14-4-3 overall record and a .738 win percentage, currently ranked 152nd in the state. The Wolverines showed consistency in conference play, achieving an 8-3-1 record. With 62 goals scored and 24 conceded, Polk County’s balanced gameplay has allowed them to edge out close contests, both at home (7-3-2) and away (7-1-1).
Scoring Averages and Key Players
TJCA has shown remarkable offensive power, averaging 4.8 goals per game, with their first-half performances particularly strong. Leading the Gryphons’ attack, Tanner Richards has netted 27 goals, with Parker Marshall adding an impressive 24 assists. Defensively, keeper Jace McDonald maintains a stellar goals-against average of 0.896.
For Polk County, the Wolverines average 3.0 goals per game. Cooper Myer leads with 15 goals, while Nate Martinez has been an effective playmaker with 11 assists. Goalkeeper Charlie Wagoner, with a strong defensive presence, has held a clean goals-against average, boosting Polk’s chances in tightly contested games.
Common Opponents and Key Matchups
Both teams have faced Hendersonville this season, with TJCA drawing (0-0) and Polk County securing two wins (3-2 and 1-0), suggesting that the Wolverines may hold a slight edge defensively against similar competition.
What to Expect
This playoff match promises to be a close battle between two well-matched teams. With TJCA’s explosive offense up against Polk County’s resilient defense, fans can expect an intense contest where every play matters. The outcome could be decided by which team capitalizes on early opportunities and controls the tempo, making for an exciting evening of playoff soccer.
