How a strong team dynamic has Savannah Country Day boys soccer team on track for playoff run

The Savannah Country Day boys soccer team has been near the top of the Class 3A state rankings all season, as Michael Hincker's squad has excelled in all aspects of the game.

The latest win was a big one for the Hornets as they went on the road to beat Benedictine 3-1 in a cross-town rivalry match with local bragging rights on the line. SCD improved to 12-0 on the season with the victory.

"So far, we've had a good round of form," Hincker said after the win at BC. "It's a rivalry game and we were a little bit tentative and they took us out of our game early on. But as the game progressed we started to find where there was space and started executing."

On Tuesday, the Hornets struck first as Wesley Hooker assisted on a first half goal from John Morgan Peters. After BC got the equalizer early in the second half, SCD went up again after Peters was taken down in the box, drawing a penalty kick converted by Madden Gerlach. Athon Herrin made a nice cross to Hooker late, who cashed it in from close proximity to put the Hornets up 3-1.

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Gerlach is a team captain and standout as a center back known for his patient approach.

"I try to think about what is going to happen ahead in the play instead of what's happening in that moment," Gerlach said. "I think we're a lot better with our possession this year with our short passes, through balls and crosses. We just need to keep working, because we know we'll see some skilled, athletic teams in the playoffs."

The rivalry with BC was a family affair for Athon Herrin, SCD's senior striker, who was going up against a Cadet squad that includes his younger brother — sophomore Asher Herrin.

"I try to stay on my brother's good side coming into this game," Athon Herrin said with a laugh. "But this game is really competitive because we've all played with each other growing up and you always want to play your best and beat your buddy. It can get a little bit chippy. But it was nice to get some revenge after they beat us last year."

It was another impressive performance by Hooker, who was all over the field in the midst of the action. He signed to play at Pfeiffer University, a Division III program in North Carolina, on Wednesday.

"I'm excited about the challenge of playing in college, but focused on our team right now," Hooker said. "I think I've improved this year because I'm playing better with my teammates. I was too selfish last year, but now I'm going back and forth and playing off my teammates and it's working."

Competing in Class 3A last year, the Hornets reached the state quarterfinals where they lost to Hebron Christian 2-1. The year before, they lost to Providence Christian in the second round of the Class A Private playoffs. Three years ago, SCD made another run to the Elite Eight before losing to Atlanta International. SCD is currently ranked No. 3 among Class 3A teams in the state by Score Atlanta, behind No. 1 Hebron Christian and Oconee County.

Hincker said the squad has a special bond that has created that kind of teamwork.

"A lot of it comes down to the fact that they just like to have fun," Hincker said. "They are really just enjoying being out there whether it's at practice or in games. What's different about this team this year is we are actually trying to show out for each other."

Hooker thinks that team chemistry can lead to a deep playoff run.

"I think we're strong at every position — we don't have any weak spots and have a chance to win state," Hooker said. "If we play as a team, I think we can beat any team in Georgia."

Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Savannah Country Day boys soccer team's cohesive style has squad on rise