American Heritage-Delray moved closer to defending its Class 1A state championship as they topped visiting Calvary Christian Academy, 23-7 in the regional quarterfinals.
The Stallions (15-2) got three goals from eighth-grader Maddison Vargas, and other outstanding performances from sophomore Caroline Byrd (4 goals and 8 assists), ninth-grader Emma Hrzick (3 goals), sophomore Victoria Tomonto (four goals), and Allie Door added two goals, nine draw controls to advance to the regional semifinals against South Fork.
Winners of six straight games, American Heritage-Delray has rolled through Florida competition, outscoring the opposition, 281-97. The team’s losses came to Maryland opponents — St. Paul’s Girls School, 15-0, and Our Lady of Good Counsel, 19-10.
“We try and find the toughest teams in the state,” said Stallions coach John McClain. “Then we try and go out of state. That helps us out. It prepares us. It helps us get our game speed up. That gets us a little more gritty.
“I am not here to manage their energy,” he said. “They have to do that, and I tell them that all of the time.”
