For the first time in 19 years, the boys’ soccer team [12-5-2 overall, 8-3-1 in district 6-5A] has clinched a spot in the playoffs after a 1-0 win Monday night against L.D. Bell [3-11-2 overall, 0-11-0 in district 6-5A]. Though two games still remain in district play, the boys look to finish their last games strong in order to receive a better playoff seed.

No words can describe how proud the coach is after hearing the news of making playoffs on Monday night.

“It’s truly good,” head coach Brandon McCallum said. “Every year it’s our goal to make playoffs and we haven’t been able to accomplish that in the seven years that I’ve been here so far. It has always been our common goal. It’s really good for the program and the players who’ve put so much time and effort in the game.”

It is an unreal feeling for the boys right now who are still processing the joy of the achievement.

“I’m proud of the team, and most of all I’m happy for every one of us,” senior attacking midfielder Jason Granados said. “Nineteen years since we have been at this stage, and now we’re back in playoffs and we ain’t done yet.”

The boys work every morning during the week to improve on their flaws from games. Whether it’s keeping possession, dribbling, connecting with key passing or even shooting on frame, it is repeatedly worked on every morning at practice.

“We want to keep the ball more during the games, also we want to keep our shots on goal,” senior defensive midfielder Kevin Vazquez said. “We need to finish our chances [to score] because we either blast them over the bar or they bounce away from the post.”

The teammates credit their success to the amount of work they’ve put in this season. They’ve followed the traditional ideas of practicing to perfection and keeping positive attitudes, and these have both kept confidence levels up.

“[We’ve] been staying focused on what we want, and we play the way coach wants us to play,” senior center defender Abraham Escamilla said.

Tonight at 7:30 the Farmers face the Hebron Hawks [12-2-2 overall, 9-1-1 in district 6-5A] at Max Goldsmith Stadium. The Hawks currently sit first in the district standings for 6-5A. As it looks right now, a Hawks win could signify the winning of the district title.

“[Hebron] is trying to win the district, and they know if they beat us tonight they’ll clinch district,” McCallum said. “They’re going to come out with a lot of energy and it should be a good test for us.”