Boys soccer: Newsome advances to Class 7A state final — Feb. 19

Newsome has been controlled on occasion – for a few minutes, maybe even a half.

Then things seem to explode.

Soccer balls start finding their way into the net. The offense becomes unhinged. Forwards. Midfielders. Defenders. It doesn’t matter.

Suddenly, the frenzy is on and every shot seemingly produces a score. It is like an adding machine gone wild. Deficits become leads. Tight matches become blowouts.

The ability to score in bunches is a big reason the Wolves won 10 straight matches entering Saturday’s Class 7A boys state semifinal against Miami Doral Academy. 

This time, there were no offensive fireworks. 

The goals, which had come in bunches throughout the postseason, were difficult to accumulate. 

It was a different style. Grit mattered as much as goals. 

Newsome, though, showed it can adapt.

The Wolves played defense. And they had enough timely offense to prevail, 2-1. 

By winning, Newsome holds the distinction of being the only Tampa Bay area team, boys or girls, to advance to the state finals. 

On Saturday, the Wolves will face Clermont East Ridge in the 7A title match at 7 p.m. at Deland’s Spec Martin Stadium. 

It is the first time Newsome is playing in the final. The Wolves, ranked first in the class and No. 11 nationally by MaxPreps, also will be favored to bring home that elusive title. 

They certainly have the offense to do it. 

Six players have scored at least four goals this season, led by Greyson Ayers with 22, and Stephen Gibert with 21. 

And if the match becomes another tight, low-scoring contest, Newsome knows it can win that way, too. 

Boys state semifinal scores

Class 7A

Newsome 2, Miami Doral Academy 1

Class 5A

Naples 3, Jesuit 0

Class 3A

Winter Park Trinity Prep 2, Tampa Prep 1 (OT)