Burnet boys soccer readies for Davenport
CAPTION: The Burnet High School boys soccer program honors its seniors before the contest against Lago Vista March 1. They are Christian Flores-Mejia (left), Benjamin Crawford, Jose Flores-Aviles, Tres Maltos, Eric Huerta, Orlando Hernandez, Damian Ibanez and Derik Colis. Courtesy photo
The Burnet High School boys soccer team will welcome San Antonio Davenport for a bi-district championship to begin the Class 4A playoffs at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, at Bulldog Field.
The reason why the Bulldogs (5-5, third in District 25-4A) are hosting the Wolves (12-8, 6-4 District 26-4A co runners-up) is because Burnet won the coin flip.
“Come out, wear school colors, be loud and cheer on your Dawgs,” head coach Benjamin Boorman said.
The Bulldogs are entering the playoffs on a three-game winning streak that includes a 3-1 loss to Rockdale March 20 in a warm-up match, a 6-0 setback to Marble Falls, and a 3-0 loss to Lago Vista.
“Although (the) loss (to the Vikings) was disappointing, Lago’s tie in regulation to Jarrell, and the fact that they have concluded their season, means that the Bulldogs have 15 points in district and Lago has 14,” Boorman said. “Burnet finishes in third for the first time in school history as we are continuing our progress from the previous season.”
The Bulldogs challenged Lago Vista from the start.
“The first ten minutes of the game saw the Dawgs play their best soccer stringing passes together,” the coach said. “This attack did awaken the Vikings, and they quickly got on the attack.”
Lago Vista took advantage of “a lapse in coverage from a corner kick” for its first goal and a 1-0 lead at the half.
“Unfortunately, the Dawgs got suckered into exchanging long balls with the Vikings, which they were better than,” the coach said, which eventually led to two more Lago Vista goals.
During the 4-1 win against Florence Feb. 27, Burnet “dominated from the first minute,” Boorman said.
Hector Arrendondo put the Bulldogs on the board by scoring in the opening 5 minutes.
The coach called it “setting the tone.”
“Miguel Valdez blazed down the right sideline for cross after cross,” he said. “One of those crosses was eventually struck in by Josvanny Ramirez for his first goal of the season.”
With a firm lead, Boorman allowed Rigo Valdez to take his brother’s spot at right wing.
“He quickly made a mark, taking a shot from inside the box that struck the upper 90,” the coach said. “Fortunately for Blake Feldt, it fell right to his line of sight on the back post. Blake finished it for his first goal of the year.”
In the second half, Miguel Valdez “got one of his own on a beauty of a run and finish,” Boorman said.
The Burnet junior varsity played Florence to a 2-2 tie and 4-4 in penalty kicks.
Ivan Frias scored the two goals in regulation with assists by Samuel Rodriguez and Sebastian Mendez.
“Julius Nava continues to impress at defense as he is able to body up opposing team’s offense,” Boorman said. “Juan Miranda also played a key role in controlling the midfield.”
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CAPTION: The Burnet High School boys soccer enters the 2024 Class 4A playoffs as District 25-4A’s No. 3 seed, its best finish in program history. Courtesy photo
