Scott Nickerson
Elmore Autauga News
The Marbury Boys’ Soccer team has advanced to the Sweet 16 of the Class 5A playoffs after defeating Elmore County 3-2 in the 1st round.
The Bulldogs jumped out to a two goal lead early in the 1st half of their Class 5A 1st Round playoff game against Elmore County behind goals from Roland Smith and Ryan Lavander. Smith scored early in the game off a rebound, while Lavender scored from a breakaway. But Elmore County made a penalty kick before halftime to cut the Marbury lead to 2-1.
The Panthers evened the score at 2 in the early moments of the 2nd half. But with 15 minutes remaining in regulation, Left Back Jeremiah Drake played a through ball to Lavender who score the go ahead and game winning goal.
Clinging to a 3-2 lead in the waning moments, Elmore County’s attack resulted in multiple shots and attempts at evening the score, but Marbury’s Wyatt McGinty played great and preserved the win.
Marbury’s 2nd round opponent will be Indian Springs, a powerhouse soccer program in the state. Indian Springs advanced to the Class 5A state championship game in 2025. They’ve won state championships in 2022, 2021, 2017, 2014, and 2008.
Marbury Coach Stephen Bruce was proud of his team for their 1st round victory, but also knows that the 2nd round match against Indian Springs will be a big test for the Bulldogs.
“The team played well enough to win, but they will need to find another level if they want to advance next week, because the level of competition will increase exponentially. More than anything, I’m proud of the way they handled themselves with regard to sportsmanship. We emphasize that our players should be respectful to officials and to the game, regardless of the behavior of the opposition, and I feel like the team accomplished that on Thursday,” said Bruce.
