The McIntosh Chiefs boys soccer team had a three year run

of making the state semifinals. The Windsor Forest Knights put

an end to that. The Chiefs played at Windsor Forest on Friday

night and took an early lead. Seven minutes into the match,

Adam Graham directed a corner kick to the upper right corner of the

net. The Knights tied the game less than five minutes later and

then the two teams went back and forth. With 11 minutes left,

Beau Balesky tapped in a cross from Matt Clements, once again

giving McIntosh the lead.

The Chiefs pushed their lead to 3-1 to start the second

half. Balesky assisted the goal scored by Clements. The Chiefs

would not score again and the momentum shifted in the Knight's

favor. The rain slowed McIntosh down, taking away their speed

advantage and the defense simply got battered and overpowered

26 minutes of the game, three of which came off of rebounds

or loose balls. It will be the Knights first ever appearance in the

state final four. McIntosh finishes the season two games too early

for their liking and with an overall record of 14-5.

The season is still going strong for the Lady Chiefs, they

defeated Wayne County 9-0 on Saturday night. Wayne County found

out all the things about McIntosh that other teams found out the

hard way. The speed, accurate passing and stingy defense all played

roles in the Lady Chiefs win. McIntosh got outstanding play on

offense from Juile Herdic, Keri Pendergrass and Dana

Van Winkle.

McIntosh will travel to face Pope tonight, with the

winner going to the state championship game. The Lady Chiefs are

hoping to keep up their pace and dominance. The game will be

at 7 p.m.

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