The New Hanover Wildcats, ranked third in the state, had their first close match of the 2008 NCHSAA Playoffs on Saturday night, but showed they can win tightly contested games also.

Having to play on the road at Pinecrest, which came into the match ranked #8 in the state and sporting a 20-2-3 record, New Hanover broke a scoreless tie, as Brannon Blanke scored with eleven seconds left and lifted the Wildcats to the 1-0 win.

Former UNCW soccer player Curt Prior told me yesterday his parents, who live in Southern Pines, have been following Pinecrest this season.  Word was, the defense was rock solid, but they didn’t have a prolific scorer.  

My retort was, “They’re gonna lose then.  They better be able to score.”

Curt questioned the fact that the Pinecrest defense couldn’t stop New Hanover, but listen, great defense just aint going to cut it.  You need to build a brick wall in front of the goal to prevent New Hanover from finding the back of the net.  In their four post-season wins, they are averaging 4.25 goals per game.

New Hanover advances to the East Regional Final to play Green Hope, the fourth ranked team in the state, right behind the #3 Wildcats.  

Green Hope advanced in round four Saturday night by knocking off #5 Millbrook 1-0, and will enter the contest with a 19-3-2 record.  

Green Hope has to the East Regional Finals in three of the last four years, and returned nine starters back from last season’s 20-win team.  While not having scored as many goals as New Hanover, the Falcons have allowed just 13 goals all season or .54 per game.  

According to highschoolOT.com, “This is a supremely talented team.”  

But the question is, do they know a good mason?

- Jesse Jones

Photo: Chris Miranda.  For photo inquiries, please visit capefearphotography.net.