On the pitch: Can't miss games, players to watch as the Big Bend soccer season hits final stretch
As holiday break wraps up across the Big Bend, area soccer players are cleaning their cleats and getting back on the pitch as the soccer season enters the second half.
Entering the final stretch of the season, some Big Bend programs are showing the potential of making deep playoff runs and possibly competing for a state championship. In an area loaded with talent on the pitch, there are always going to be eye-catching matchups between schools and athletes, and the back end of the soccer season is loaded with exciting games.
With the season heading full-steam towards the playoffs, let's dive into some can't-miss matchups and players to watch for the remainder of the season.
Six can't-miss games
Games and stats used come from Maxpreps
Boys
Tuesday, Jan. 9: Chiles (7-3-1) @ Leon (8-4)
One of the stories of the season is the reemergence of the Lions as one of the area's top teams, currently having the program's best season since 2019. Led by senior's Gideon Sheets, who has seven goals and assists this season, and Donovan Shumate, who has scored six goals this season, the Lions are roaring back into the top ranks.
Facing a Chiles team that is consistently one of the Big Bend's most elite teams, the matchup on Jan. 9 gives us a look at two of the area's best. Already holding a 3-0 win over Leon, the Timberwolves will be looking for a repeat against the Lions, and top scorers senior Caleb Gaines and junior Daniel Mauldin could be the key figures. Gaines scored in the game against Leon earlier in the season and certainly will be looking for a repeat performance.
Friday, Jan. 19: Berkley Prep (4-3-2) vs. Macaly (8-1-2)
Always one of the best in the area, Maclay hosts Berkley Prep in the Marauder's season finale, and the game could shape up to be an exciting conclusion to the season. A consistent figure in the Tampa area, Berkley Prep will be a solid final matchup for a Maclay team looking to make a run at district, regional and possible state glory. Led by junior Zac Scovotto, the Marauders will look to end a challenging season schedule with one final victory.
Monday, Jan. 15: Gulf Breeze (11-0-1) vs. Chiles (7-3-1)
What could be one of the games of the season and the biggest test of the year for the Timberwolves, the matchup with Gulf Breeze coming to town. Ranked as the third-best team in the state by the Florida High School Atheltic Association, the Dolphins are undefeated and have tied only once this year. Led by senior Lucas Isakson, who has scored 13 goals, Gulf Breeze will be a big test for Chiles.
Chiles rank 29th in the state and are no pushover for the Dolphins. Playing at home could give the Timberwolves a boost in what promises to be a thrilling game as the Timberwolves defense has only allowed 15 goals this season with four goals scored on its home turf.
Girls
Monday, Jan. 8: Wakulla (7-1) @ Florida High (8-2)
A matchup between two of the area's top teams, the War Eagles travel to Florida High to take on the Seminoles in a thrilling all-area matchup.
The Seminoles are always a threat to score, recording 40 goals this season led by junior Ivy Carlson who has scored 11. With a youthful roster, Florida High is making waves this season and planting the seeds for the future, only having five seniors on the roster and having nine middle schoolers on the roster. The youth hasn't been a problem for the team who have gotten off to a hot start, losing only to Chiles and North Bay Haven.
The War Eagles have lost only once this season, losing 1-0 to Columbia. Allowing only six goals this season, the Wakulla defense has been elite in eight games so far and could frustrate a high-scoring Seminoles program. On offense the War Eagles are led by junior Helena Skipper, scoring eight goals, and sophomore Rachaelei Porter, scoring seven goals, with the duo the top two scorers for the team.
Tuesday, Jan. 9: Chiles (9-1-1) @ Lincoln (8-3)
Another top game on Jan. 9, this time on the girl's side as Chiles travels to Lincoln for a matchup between two of the Big Bend's elite programs. Both teams are ranked in the top 75 for the state, with the Timberwolves coming in at 16th and the Trojans at 53rd.
The only team to beat Chiles this season, claiming a 2-1 win on Dec. 6, Lincoln is playing at a high level with the potential to make major waves in the postseason. Scoring 45 goals and only allowing nine this season, the Trojans have won by four or more goals six times this season.
One of the few teams to put a goal past Lincoln this year, Chiles boasts an elite defense itself, allowing only eight goals and scoring 43 on the offensive end. Led by star sophomore Kyra Swart, the team's top scorer with 13 goals, the Timberwolves have one of the area's most potent attacks, scoring three or more goals in all but four games this season.
A rematch of one of the best games of the season, circle your calendars for Chiles vs. Lincoln.
Tuesday, Jan. 16: Florida High (8-2) @ Lincoln (8-3)
Another can't miss matchup between area powers, Florida High travels to Lincoln for a battle between two programs that could make major noise in the postseason.
With both teams possessing high-scoring offenses and some elite talent, this matchup is one of the final games of the season for both teams and could be a good playoff litmus test for both teams, as a deep run into the postseason could be expected for both programs.
In yet another battle between two of the Big Bend's top teams, this is a must-watch game.
Six players to watch
Boys
Zac Scovotto, Jr., Maclay, season stats: 11 games played, 15 goals, seven assists
Gideon Sheets, Sr., Leon, season stats: 11 games played, seven goals, seven assists
Daniel Mauldin, Jr., Chiles, season stats: 11 games played, six goals, two assists
Girls
Kyra Swart, So., Chiles, season stats: 11 games played, 13 goals, eight assists
Ivy Carlson, Jr., Florida High, season stats: 10 games played, 11 goals, six assists
Rachaelei Porter, So., Wakulla, season stats: eight games played, seven goals, five assists
Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at LRooney@gannett.com or on Twitter @__liamrooney
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: These are the top games, players to watch in the Big Bend's final soccer games
