TCHS sets Saturday soccer scrimmages

Jan. 24—TIFTON — One of William Shakespeare's more famous lines is "Now is the winter of our discontent." The quote, which opens "Richard III," is not one that could be applied to Tift County's soon-arriving soccer season. Or maybe it does, if applied to the Blue Devils' opponents.

The regular season starts Jan. 31, at Perry. Peach County will be in Feb. 3 for the home opener under the upgraded lights at Tift's mini-stadium. Though now in Region 1-6A, the Devils won two consecutive championships in 1-7A, going 12-0 over conference opponents in that span. They were also an elite eight team in the state playoffs last year, something few schools in the southern half of the state can boast.

Before they get to the official games, however, the Blue Devils and Lady Devils begin with something much more friendly: Alumni games on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Both boys and girls will take the pitch, the Lady Devils beginning at 2 p.m. The boys will follow.

No admission will be charged. Boys head coach Bobby Earls said they want attendance to be as high as possible. He's already heard from a few individuals. Mitchell Dorminey, longtime program supporter, is working on filling out the alumni roster.

"We want to invite people to come out and enjoy the day," said Earls.

Earls still can't believe the season is upon him. Practice officially began three weeks ago and numbers for his program are huge. Finding a spot for so many interested in soccer, he said, is a "great problem" to have.

The main concern for the Blue Devils after a 17-2-1 campaign in 2022 is a back line. Everyone graduated, save for goalkeeper Mike Taylor. Having Taylor in net makes sorting out lineups much easier. Taylor, who began his soccer career as an athlete interested in soccer, has become one of their cornerstones. He was tremendous a year ago and Earls said Taylor improved even more over the fall while playing travel soccer.

Outscoring opponents may be an option. "We'll be fine and dandy," said Earls of his offense. Especially "with Ant and Manny back," referring to Anthony Palomares and Manny Marin. Isai Mendez will be another contributor.

Tift's new region, 1-6A, consists of themselves, Lee County, Northside, Veterans, Houston County and Thomas County Central. Lee and TCC have been frequent opponents and they have played most of the others in recent years.