And then there were four.

Four Teche Area high school soccer teams enter the quarterfinal round of the state playoffs with an eye on reaching the finals in their respective divisions at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans.

That they are poised to make a run at this point of their season that began officially the last week of October is a tribute to the caliber of soccer players, girls and boys, in and around New Iberia, as well as to the dedicated coaches who have been with them every step of the way. Injuries, cold and rain haven’t slowed them down over the winter but each faces a big challenge in their bid to get to the semifinals.

On the boys’ side, New Iberia Senior High School, Catholic High School and Episcopal School of Acadiana are preparing for quarterfinal showdowns next week. The lone surviving girls team carrying the area’s banner in the one-and-done season is Catholic High School.

The CHS boys and girls teams entered the postseason with No. 1 seeds in Division IV, an impressive feat that puts a glowing spotlight on New Iberia. The Panthers, 19-2-2, are scheduled to play eighth-seeded Lafayette Christian Academy. The Lady Panthers, 18-3-3, take on ninth-seeded Northlake Christian.

NISH’s Yellow Jackets, 16-3 and seeded No. 8, have a daunting task ahead of them when they travel to play St. Paul’s School in Covington, the top-ranked team in Division I. 

ESA’s Falcons, 16-5-1 and seeded third in Division IV, play sixth-seeded Haynes.

Only one team in each division will finish the season with a win, a satisfying victory.One or more of the remaining area teams could be the side hoisting the huge plaque.

Regardless the outcome their next time out, each one of these quarterfinalists is a big, big winner in my book. 

Soccer might be a “minor sport” in the eyes of the Louisiana High School Athletic Association, but it is a major and growing sport at all soccer-playing high schools around here. Area coaches, players and fans are proud of the teams they field, particularly at this time of the season.

Best of luck, all, next time out. We’re proud of you.

DON SHOOPMAN

SENIOR NEWS EDITOR