Indians finish first in region

Coach Chris Rayford said his Byhalia Indians delivered success this soccer season largely because of their drive and determination.

The Indians, for the first time in the nine-year history of the program, claimed the region championship. They were eliminated in the second round of the state playoffs. Rayford, who took over as head

coach at mid-season, said captain Alejandro Sandoval was an outstanding team leader.

“He was so vocal and determined to win,” Rayford said. “And you could see that rubbing off on all the other players.”

The Class I, Region 2 champions knocked off Pisgah 4-3 in the opening round of the state playoffs Tuesday, Jan. 25.

“It went into overtime,” Rayford said. “It was an exciting game.” Byhalia went up 1-0 early and later led 2-1 before Pisgah rallied to go ahead 3-2. The Indians tied the game, sent it to overtime and pulled out the thriller.

Eduardo Vasquez scored three goals, including the game-winner in OT. Hector Ortega also scored for Byhalia.

The Indians then hosted St. Andrew’s, the defending state champion, Saturday afternoon and were eliminated from the post-season by a 5-0 score.

Byhalia finished the season at 5-11 overall, with three of those wins coming in district play, while the Saints improved to 11-5-2 and moved on to face Amory in the state semi-finals.

“Despite the way the season was going (with the change in coaches), they fought through adversity,” Rayford said. “They took me in as coach, and made it to the second round of the playoffs against an excellent team (St. Andrew’s). That’s a great feat. I’m proud of them, and I know the entire school is proud of them.”

The Indians lose six seniors — Alejandro Sandoval, Hector Ortega, Daniel Corral, Leearthur Buford, Christian Hernandez and Carlos Elias.