Burnet boys soccer clinches playoff spot to make program history

CAPTION: The Burnet Bulldogs will compete in the Class 4A playoffs for the first time ever and look to avoid meeting Boerne High, the defending state champion, in the first round. Courtesy photo

The Burnet High School boys soccer team beat Jarrell 5-1 Feb. 24 to earn one of the four postseason berths to represent District 25-4A.

After spring break the Bulldogs will compete in the first playoff game in Burnet boys soccer history. 

“The varsity team had one of their best showings of the year,” head coach Benjamin Boorman said. “Congratulations to them and their hard work for accomplishing this goal they set at the beginning of the season. They sliced up Jarrell from the opening kick-off.”

Jahir Benitez and Miguel Valdez set the tone.

Benitez scored in the first minute thanks to a cross from Valdez. Valdez found Benitez again for Burnet’s second goal four minutes later. Five minutes after that, Valdez sent a cross to Benitez, who headed the ball in for the third goal to complete the hat trick for a 3-0 lead at the half.

“This really was a trend,” Boorman said. “But it was clear they wanted more.”

Hector Arredondo broke up Jarrell’s increased defense in the second half “with the best looking goal of the year,” Boorman said, thanks to soaring the ball in from 25 yards into the upper corner.

Benitez scored again to net four goals thanks to a Victor Aviles assist.

The Burnet junior varsity also won 4-0.

“The boys were hungry after beating Florence, on (Feb. 21),” the coach said. “The first 10 minutes of the game the Dawgs were evaluating the competition but seemed to be finding open space and passing well.”

Josvanny Ramirez scored the first goal of the game thanks to a crossing pass from Bruce Gonzalez, who got the ball from Julius Nava. 

Dwight Lopez scored a follow-up a shot in the 19th minute on a rally that Blake Feldt started. 

Leif Henry scored his first goal of the season in the 28th minute off a corner kick. 

Boorman noted the Bulldogs were against the wind in the second half and really struggled to find scoring opportunities.  However, Lopez intercepted a pass and found Isaias Zarate for the fourth goal of the game. 

Defensively, goalie Aiden Morris maintained a clean sheet with only three saves needed. 

“It was truly a dominant performance,” Boorman said.

The junior varsity travels to Florence at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, for a contest, while the varsity takes a bye. The varsity visits Lago Vista in a doubleheader with the Lady Dawgs Friday, March 3. The girls play at 5 p.m. and the boys follow at 7 p.m.

The winner will take third in district and will avoid playing Boerne High, the defending state champion.

“There is a lot at stake,” Boorman said.  

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