The Panthers have posted three shutouts in a row and 10 shutouts overall this season, thanks to a stout defense and excellent goalkeeping from senior Matt Troop and junior Jay Herrington. The defense features juniors Brian Parsons, Kyle Nowicki and Chip Rutland and sophomores Brandon McMillan and Chris Pecca. The team has only allowed eight goals this season and has scored 67 goals this year. Forty-four of those goals came in three games; Carver, Columbus; Riverdale and Mundy's Mill. The Panthers two losses came Feb. 21 against Brookwood and March 4 against Woodward, and their three ties were all against ranked opponents: McIntosh (4th), Centennial (7th) and Walton (8th). Since the loss to Woodward, Starr's Mill has only given up three goals.

One of Starr's Mill's strengths is a strong midfield that controls the location as well as the pace of thier games. The midfield is led by seniors Tylar Murphy, CJ Cooper and Justin Davis and gets solid play from juniors Wes Kent and Nick Bugara and sophomores Chris Metzger, Brian Smith and Corey Cross. The midfield aids the forwards and with senior Trey Maughan and sophomores Keegan Hanie and Riley Phelps leading the offense, the Panthers have put lots of pressure on opposing defenses.

Starr's Mill will graduate five players from this year's squad and should be a favorite for another state title next year. Visit www.thecitizennews.com for state playoff updates.